It is with heartfelt remembrance that we announce the establishment of the Raymond P. Anderson Scholarship, created to honor the memory of our dear colleague and friend, Ray Anderson. Ray was not only a cornerstone of our organization but also a tireless advocate for the success of our members and the growth of AROPA since its inception. His invaluable contributions, dedication, insight and passion helped shape our association into what it is today.
The Raymond P. Anderson Scholarship will support fellow AROPA Program Administrators in attending our annual meetings, ensuring that Ray's spirit of service and commitment to professional development continues to inspire us all. While we will forever miss his presence, Ray’s legacy will live on in our hearts and through this scholarship, fostering the same passion and dedication that he embodied.
AROPA members were invited to share their stories about Ray, and the response was incredible. Here are just a few of the heartfelt messages shared by his colleagues:
“Ray was a remarkable man whose presence lit up every room he entered, transforming the atmosphere with his incredible sense of humor and warm personality. His joy, patience, and wisdom were a gift to everyone in our educational community.” -Cordelia Baffic
“Our conversations and shared laughs made a big difference in maintaining motivation and dealing with frustrations at work. Ray was a great friend and colleague.” -Patricia Candia
“Kind and ever giving of himself with a lovely dry New England wit… He was humble and had a little mischief in him and always seemed to chime in at just the right moment.” -Jo Lombardi
“Ray at first seemed quiet and often faded into the background, but behind that unassuming façade was a quick wit, a wicked sense of humor, and a wealth of knowledge on just about any topic. In fact, it was Ray’s mentorship that helped so many of us succeed in our own positions. He was always willing to answer questions, point to relevant resources, and keep us grounded with his sincere and patient kindness. To say he will be missed is quite the understatement, but he will live on in our memory, and many of us will hear his Boston-accented advice as long as we remain in our position.” -Angelika Royal
In honoring Ray’s memory, we hope to continue his mission of growth, servitude, collaboration, and excellence within our community.
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