15 Rogol listed them rather modestly: “marketing, professional studies, sport management, and business administration.” She also served one semester as Interim Associate Dean of the College of Business. “They were interesting experiences,” Rogol explained, “in that every department, even under the same organization, had very different cultures that impacted the everyday operations.” Rogol recognized that having experience with various departments gave her the opportunity to meet and network with a lot of amazing people over the years. She emphasized the importance of developing these relationships, by saying, “you never know what is going to happen next and you cannot underestimate how important these relationships can be to your overall functioning throughout your career." She continued, “You may need to call on people that you worked with before for their help.” Rogol was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, where her 90-year-old mother still resides. She and her husband (fiancé at the time) moved to Kutztown in the early 80s for what they had originally thought would only be a springboard stop on their way to Atlanta, GA. However, after a year and a half, Rogol’s temporary adjunct position turned into a tenure position and her husband found a job in Reading, PA, keeping them here throughout both their careers. Together they have one daughter, two sons, and one granddaughter (so far). When I asked if she knew she would become a teacher after graduating business school, Rogol laughed and shook her head. “I always wanted to be a teacher,” she said, but her father being in the field discouraged Rogol, due to a substantial recession at the time. “He knew too many people with degrees that could not find jobs,” Rogol explained, and yet she found this desire come to life for her regardless. “It was a busy first year,” Rogol explained, reminiscing on her very first memories here, like prepping for classes, the amplified Halloween Parade, and discovering Faschnauts. As a new professor, “I had great colleagues who were so helpful and gracious and that were on speed-dial,” she remembered fondly, “I hope I’ve been a good colleague and paid it forward.” “I’m ready to retire,” Rogol said exhaling, “I was tempted to stay for forty years but wanted to go when I felt like I was still giving 100% and not cutting corners.” She has enjoyed her many students throughout the years, considering them the best part of her job. “I want them to be successful and want the best for them,” she said. "Although I never lowered my standards, maybe much to their chagrin.” Rogol's eyes strayed as she remembered some of her classrooms. “Every classroom has a personality,” she said, chuckling. “The Leadership classes in sport did a lot of team building, and it was just so fun to watch their creativity, initiative, and because they were sports majors, they were competitive.” Rogol is eager to retire and take some time for herself by getting back to the gym, tending to her flower garden, and spending more time with her family. “I didn’t want to be obligated to anyone or anything, although ironically,” she said, “I came back to teach.” Not only has she come back to teach this semester, but her church has relied on her through a time of transitioning their pastoral head. Having served on the church committee for twenty years, and due to her career, Rogol naturally fell into a leadership role during this transition and will most likely be very busy managing it further. Rogol loves reading about students’ accomplishments on LinkedIn. When thinking about the legacy she leaves with her students, she hopes to be remembered as someone who cared for her students, was fair in her teaching approach (although sometimes stern, not to be mean, but to teach the reality of life in the workforce), and who held integrity. “I would be humbled to be associated with those characteristics that have been my aim,” she said genuinely. “If I could sum up my thirty-nine years here, I would have to say I have been really blessed,” she said sincerely. “I want my students to be able to think for themselves and not let people tell them what to think, God gave them good brains, or else they wouldn’t be in college, and they should use them.” The darkness sets in outside making the softly lit office feel like a welcoming beacon. “There are a lot of memories here,” she says smiling, “I’m willing to serve again, but it’s time.” Rogol’s conversation lingers for a little while longer as she turns the conversation towards my journey. In her personalized advice to me, she said without breaking eye contact, “give 100% in your job, but not your blood so to speak; find that perfect balance.” We both rise as I exit, leaving the door open behind me and feeling the same sense of ease the student before displayed.
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