Highline Community,
You may have already heard the sad news about Bruce Roberts’ passing during the summer. We want to share our condolences with his wife, Joyce Roberts, and with friends and colleagues who worked with Bruce. As a long-time faculty member here at Highline, Bruce first taught economics starting in the fall of 1972, was full time by fall of 1976, later served as chair for the Social Science Division and retired in 2007. The Social Science Division was housed in Building 11 for 12 of those years and was a tight knit group of colleagues.
In an 2023 interview for Legends Newsletter Bruce shared, “What I most valued about Highline was the people. I have many life-long friends, many of whom I still associate with regularly…What I miss most is being in contact with people, the day-to-day life of teaching with good people…the camaraderie.”
Bruce succeeded Michael Campbell as division chair. Michael shared that Bruce was one of the smartest people he knew but that Bruce didn’t show off. He worked on behalf of all faculty to improve the faculty contract. Bruce himself said that the time he spent negotiating every faculty contract from the late ‘70s until he retired is “something that I am most proud of.”
Michael Campbell stated that Bruce was central to a group of faculty who would gather on Friday afternoons, first at the Fireside, then at the Yard Arm and eventually at his and Joyce’s home. Bruce had good working relationships with Drs. Shirley Gordon, Ed Command and Jack Birmingham. He also led a weekly basketball game where fellow legends such as Ed Morris, Ron Livingston and Mike Cicero used to play.
In his 2023 interview, Bruce said the most outstanding moment in his teaching career was the opportunity to go to South Africa and Namibia on a Fulbright grant that Highline had been awarded in 1999, “with (his) wonderful colleagues.”
For three weeks participants learned more about the two countries – their history, politics, education system, and culture. In 2021, Bruce shared this memory of his travels in South Africa with engineering faculty member Bob Maplestone: “Mape was the point man for many trips to South Africa. One day we were on a dirt road in the Etosha Game Preserve. He was driving rather fast as we were trying to get out of the park before closing time. We rounded a curve and came upon two lions lying on the road. He slammed on the brakes. The lions just stared at us. Mape said to me, ‘Just get out and shoo them away.’ Sure. Fortunately for me the lions slowly got up and moved into the brush.”
Bruce finished his interview by saying he was, “happily enjoying a quiet life with my wonderful wife Joyce” and being in contact with some of those life-long friends.
Our condolences go out to Bruce’s family and to all of those who knew him.
We recognize a loss like this impacts our whole community. We want to remind you that counseling services are available for staff and faculty. You can access them through EAP, or by calling 1-877-313-4455.
Sincerely,
Executive Cabinet
Danielle, Emily, Jamilyn, Josh, Maribel, Melanie, Michael & Tim