Middlebury Mourns Passing of Television Icon Fred Rogers

Author: Josh Carson

Last Thursday, we all lost a neighbor.
Fred Rogers, popularly known as "Mister Rogers", died of stomach cancer at his home in Pittsburgh, Pa., at the age of 74.
Ordained a Presbyterian minister, Rogers' mission was to work with children and families through mass media. The popular children's show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," was the result.
He was a "very generous man -- generous with wealth, knowledge and love," said Twilight Artist-in-Residence Francois Clemmons, a friend of Rogers who appeared on the show for 27 years as "Officer Clemmons."
"He was as kind [in person] as he appeared on television."
The television show began in the 1960's and changed very little from its original format by 2001 when the last original episode aired.
Rogers resisted the movement towards animation and special effects. Instead, he relied on his gentle and soothing demeanor to educate children about leading a good life.
Each of the 900 episodes opened with Mister Rogers entering his living room and changing from his sport jacket and loafers to a cardigan and sneakers.
He then looked directly into the camera and spoke about an important theme for the day, always emphasizing the self-worth of children.
A segment of each show took place in the "Neighborhood of Make-Believe," where puppets played out the inner drama of early childhood problems.
Problems were always solved by teaching children to manage frustration and use compassion and understanding.
"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" is the longest running television series ever to air on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Last year, President George W. Bush honored Rogers with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor available, in recognition of his commitment to children and his long public television career.
In May 2001 Rogers delivered Middlebury's Commencement address and received an honorary doctorate degree from the College.
At the beginning of his address, everyone joined him to sing "It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," the theme song to "Mister Roger's Neighborhood."
In his speech, he emphasized the importance of caring for others, appreciating the support you have received and living life enthusiastically.
In life, "what really maters is helping others win, too, even if it means slowing down and changing our course now and then," Rogers told the graduating class.
"Such honest enthusiastic living of our lives -- no matter what our talents may be -- can deeply affect others!"
Rogers lived by his words by putting people first. Members of the College community and the millions of children he influenced will not forget Mister Rogers' compassionate message and gentle manner.