The loss of Ross

Posted by admin on Oct 17, 2006 in Issues & Ideas | 2 comments

One Friday evening in February of 2005 I received an unexpected phone call. I was a student at the University of Toronto, and was feeling unfulfilled in my educational experience. Applying to Trinity Western University a few weeks earlier had given me some hope, but I was still unsure whether changing schools would change my already negative perspective on university.

“Good day, friend! My name is Rod Ross.” From my experience at U of T, I figured this was just another routine recruiting phone call. An hour later not only did I not want to hang up, but I had never been more excited about an upcoming school year. Ross kept in touch over the months preceding my arrival at TWU, but he never called during his regular hours of duty; he just loved students.
Two weeks into my first semester at TWU, I saw Ross for the first time while he was making announcements in one of my classes. I bumped into him on a path outside Fraser Hall a few hours later. I was stressed about upcoming midterms, and despite the change of schools, still not excited about the life and education paths that I felt locked into. Ross sensed my anxiety and invited me to talk with him. That day Ross modeled to me openness and vulnerability, and helped me to understand that God truly has a unique purpose for each person He creates. That day changed my life.

Over the past year I have come to know Ross quite well. He has been my spiritual mentor and one of my best friends. I am only one of the many people he has influenced and supported in their life journey. He has taught me, and so many others, how to be bold and loving leaders, the value of speaking truth, and the power of grace and forgiveness.

Ross has helped an unimaginable number of people to take risks and succeed, and has seldom received credit. He has even welcomed, and continues to welcome, people into his home where he is a Christ-centered parent and husband.

Through programs like Christian Entrepreneurial Organization (CEO), a Christian business based accountability program, the business Mentor Program, and, most recently, e^res – the entrepreneurial live-learn in which I have had the privilege of serving as RA – Rod has used his God-given talents to add eternally impacting value to the education of countless TWU students.

Ross was dismissed from his position as Corporate Programs Manager on Thursday, Sept. 28. I write this not to create conflict, but to recognize what Ross has done for TWU. Ross serves God first, and I think this is evident through his actions.

Some question whether CEO will continue; but once established, a brotherhood lasts for eternity. Others are skeptical about the future of e^res, but live-learns will change the face of residence life at TWU. And Ross, volunteer or otherwise, will be there along the way.

Ross’s dismissal, although unfortunate, may well be a stepping stone to something even greater in his life. Ross is a strong believer in Romans 8:28, and I know it will prove to be true once again.

Rod Ross is a crazy charismatic. He wears white socks with brown shoes. He drives one of the least sexy cars ever to hit the production line. Yet, so many were, and continue to be, drawn to him. Ross is the not smartest man I have ever known, but he is perhaps the wisest man I will ever know.

I am excited for the future endeavors Ross will undertake in this life, but more than anything, I am excited for Ross to one day hear the words he so well deserves: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”