- Author: Wendy Powers
Tomorrow I head back to California after attending the National Extension Directors Association annual meeting. I have much to share about ideas brought up during the meeting and things I've learned. I will get to that in the next couple of days. But what stands out in my mind right now is how the trip was book-ended by tragedy. What happened in Las Vegas is irrational and just can't be explained. How can one person cause so much harm to innocent people, and why?
This morning I learned about the death of Steve Orloff, someone clearly taken too soon and someone who had such a tremendous positive impact on all around him. I didn't have the opportunity to know Steve very long or very well but one didn't need to in order to see the passion he had for his family, his work, and life. I know that throughout UC ANR and the state many are deeply saddened by the news of Steve's death. Our hearts go out to Steve's family as they struggle to make sense of the situation. My sincere sympathy goes out to all of you who have lost a friend, colleague and, to many, a mentor and role model. Tonight we are very sad. But unlike those directly impacted by Las Vegas, the UC ANR family members who knew Steve have great memories and stories to share that reflect Steve's humor and kindness.
That's enough for tonight.