About us | Division leadership | President’s welcome
Norris and Helena Wooldridge.
Tragedy has a way of defining people’s lives. For Helena and Norris Wooldridge, losing their only son was one of those life-altering moments. Roger was a KU journalism student in 1973 when he died in a car accident, driving home from an internship. Their hopes and dreams could have died that day, but they chose to keep them alive. A year later, they established an endowed scholarship for KU journalism students in Roger’s name.
And their generosity went further. Every year, they traveled from their farm in Kingman, Kan., to host a dinner for Wooldridge student scholars at the Kansas Union. Over the last 25 years, I had the privilege of attending most of these dinners. They were nothing short of remarkable.
It must have been bittersweet for Helena and Norris to meet the students. Surely some reminded them of their lost son. Yet, they acted like proud parents, eagerly probing students about their aspirations and challenges. “How’s life on campus? How’s your roommate? What did you learn during your internship?” were typical questions.
Their genuine, soft-spoken nature boosted the students’ confidence. They let students know that someone was pulling for them, not just financially, but emotionally and mentally. Out of their personal tragedy, they formed an extended family at KU.
After Norris died in 1999, Helena couldn’t make the trip, but we kept having the dinners. I shared with the students my recollections of Norris, and we sent Helena videotapes of our gatherings. I tried to recreate the family atmosphere, even forcing students to endure Norris’ favorite jokes!
More than 140 Wooldridge scholars have graduated from the journalism school. The scholarships have entered a new era, as Helena died earlier this year.
Godspeed, Helena and Norris. Your generosity showed us how to live a life of purpose.
Dale Seuferling, President
KU Endowment