Jon Roosenraad, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Journalism professor emeritus, passed away at age 78 on Sept. 13 in Gainesville.

Roosenrad joined the UFCJC faculty in 1968 at the age of 23. He was the last faculty member hired by Rae Weimer, the first dean of the college. He served as chair of the Department of Journalism from 1978 to 1994 and was assistant dean for student services from 1994 until his retirement in 2006.

After his retirement, he continued teaching as an adjunct instructor until his death. He taught courses in reporting, editing and journalism ethics. He received a UF Outstanding Teacher Award in 1991.

Prior to joining the College, he worked for his hometown newspaper, the Lansing (Michigan) State Journal. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a master’s from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from Florida State University.

Roosenraad served as board chair of Campus Communications, the parent of the Independent Florida Alligator, from 1976-1996. He was later inducted into the Alligator Hall of Fame. As an avid runner, he completed three marathons and 20 River Runs, a 15K race in Jacksonville, Florida.

Roosenraad was also honored by the Florida Press Association with the creation of The Jon A. Roosenraad First Amendment Defense Award, given to a news organization that has worked to keep government open and accessible to citizens and the press, and who actively defends the principles of the First Amendment and the public’s right to know.

Roosenraad is remembered fondly for his leadership and collegiality. According to Ted Spiker, UFCJC Journalism Department chair, “Jon was amazing at everything—not just for what he did, but for how he did it. He was always willing to help and always looked out for students’ best interests. I can’t tell you how many alums have told me their ‘here’s how Rosey helped me’ stories over the years. The fact that he did so many things so well—as a faculty member, journalism chair, undergrad dean, then as an adjunct teaching JOU 3101 Reporting labs after retirement—is truly remarkable.”

Roosenraad also had a significant impact on students. On the website Rate My Professor, one student commented that “he is the most caring, understanding professor and it was a pleasure to have him teach this course.”  Another former student said, “Looking back, Dr. Roosenraad was the most caring and supportive professor I had in my many years at UF. He was interesting and flexible and wanted his students to succeed. He was always available to bounce ideas off and always amusing. He’s truly one of a kind.”

Chuck Tobin, B.S. Journalism 1984, a partner at the law firm Ballard Spahr, was switching majors as a freshman and wandered into Weimer Hall, where he ran into Roosenraad, then Journalism Department chair. “Jon pulled out his keys and opened every door to show me the editing lab, the Gannett Auditorium, WRUF, the library, Campus Page.  In what I came to know as his customary, low-key way he was letting me know how proud he was of the place — and what opportunities the CJC could provide to me,” Tobin shared. “About an hour and a half later, I called my parents and told them I thought I wanted to major in journalism. Each of us has several pivotal moments in our lifetime.  Having Jon take an interest in a clueless 19-year-old me was certainly one of mine.  I’m ever grateful for that tour, and the many years of guidance and friendship he would provide after that.”

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville.  The family will receive friends on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown, 404 North Main Street, Gainesville.  You can visit his memorial page at: https://www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jon-A-Roosenraad/#!/Obituary.

Posted: September 14, 2023
Category: College News
Tagged as: Florida Press Association, Independent Florida Alligator, Jon Roosenraad, Journalism