[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 150 (Tuesday, November 19, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S11564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           MR. STEPHEN ROGERS

 Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and great 
sadness that I bring news of the death of Stephen Rogers, a former 
publisher and long time President of the Syracuse Post-Standard. Mr. 
Rogers was a Central New York institution, a man who actively played a 
role in the newspaper's operation up until the day he died at ninety 
years old.
  Although not originally from Central New York, he became one of the 
area's most influential figures, both because of his pen and community 
activism. Rogers was famous among local politicians for never shying 
away from asking tough questions, prompting a close friend to call him 
Socrates with a press card. Everyone from the Governor on down knew 
that an editorial board meeting at the Post-Standard was no walk in the 
park, as Rogers would force all who came to Syracuse to vigorously 
defend their policy choices. It is testament to Rogers' character and 
to how much he respected his craft, however, that no one ever doubted 
that the meetings would be enlightening and evenhanded. Indeed, 
journalism was part of the very marrow of Rogers' bones and a beloved 
profession: he once wryly told a group of college students, ``Believe 
me, it's more fun that working for a living.''
  Rogers' love of fishing was perhaps the only activity that could 
match his commitment to his trade. New York State's beautiful lakes 
quickly helped bond him to the area when he first arrived in 1955, and 
he showed his love for the area by giving back to the community in so 
many ways. As Chairman of the Metropolitan Development Association, he 
was a staunch advocate and promoter of economic development in Central 
New York. Although he was criticized by some for overstepping the 
limits of objectivity required by his day job, Rogers felt that he 
could not in good conscience earn a living in community without giving 
back. It's not surprising that he could also count his leadership of 
the state publishers' association, the water board, and the United Way, 
as well as time spent on the boards of the YMCA, the former Crouse-
Irving Memorial Hospital, Le Moyne College, the Red Cross and the 
symphony as other significant volunteer accomplishments.
  If there is one thing to say about Stephen Rogers, it is that he was 
the epitome of good citizenship. His dedication to his craft, community 
activism, and unceasing work ethic meant that he stood out as a leader 
in Central New York up until his final days. He will be sorely missed 
by us all.

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