Gift that keeps on giving

Susan Rollins, Will Rogers Memorial Museums volunteer trainer, and Andy Hogan, museum historical guide and Will Rogers interpreter, welcome the first class of Ropers (docents) to the museum in 2008. Rollins died this year and memorial contributions have been made to the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation in her honor.

Susan Rollins shared a devotion to Will Rogers and Southwest Texas/American Popular Culture Association with her husband, Peter.  He founded the Southwest Texas PCA/ACA annual conference, and they co-founded the Film and History Association.

A Will Rogers scholar, his interest became hers when the childhood sweethearts remet at their 30th high school class reunion. They married in 1992. She died July 10, 2011 after a long battle with cancer.

Southwest Texas PCA/ACA has created the Susan Rollins Memorial honoring her outstanding contributions as a mentor, colleague and friend.  Susan’s legacy was honored by the organization with a $2,500 donation to the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation. It is the group’s intent to make further annual contributions. It has also established a Susan Rollins Award for Museum Studies and Public History “to honor an individual who displays the knowledge, enthusiasm, grace and courage of its namesake.”

In addition to the memorial gift of Southwest Texas PCA/ACA, contributions to the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation in memory and honor of Susan have been made by other organizations and individuals.

Susan Rollins was instrumental in developing a training program for volunteers at  the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch and made the trips to Claremore despite the fact she had been diagnosed with cancer when the first program started in the Fall of 2008.

 “Ropers,” as they became known, now number more than 40, growing from that core group of  18.  Her efforts, have now in place a functioning greeter/docent program which enhances the museum’s operation.

“She brought to the museum a bountiful experience, a passion for musuems and a love of Will Rogers,” said Steve Gragert, Will Rogers Memorial director.  “Her legacy will continue not only in the generous memorial contributions, but also in the continued training of new Ropers.” A fifth class is scheduled to begin soon — to be trained by Ropers who were in Susan’s early classes.