Roger Rossier MA ’63, EdD ’72, lifelong educator known for his significant contributions to educational research and policy, passed away at 92

Roger Rossier MA ’63, EdD ’72, a lifelong educator known for his significant contributions to educational research and policy, and the namesake of the USC Rossier School of Education, passed away on Aug. 11, 2024. He was 92.

A two-time alumnus of USC, Rossier had a long career in education and service, including positions as a geography teacher, dean of guidance at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, a counselor at Cypress Community College, and as a member of the United States Navy.

Although Roger and his wife, Barbara J. Rossier EdD ’71, attended USC, they didn’t meet until after graduating in the early 1960s with master’s degrees in educational guidance. Before completing his degree at USC, Roger worked as a driver’s education instructor and as a geography teacher at Santa Ana Valley High School. In 1964, they formally met while serving as school counselors at Westminster High School. They both later returned to USC for their doctorates; Barbara completed hers in 1971, and Roger completed his in 1972. What followed was a lifelong journey to positively transform education across the nation.

In 1980, Roger and Barbara Rossier purchased a small private school in Orange County dedicated to special-needs students with delays in academic, social and/or emotional development. Under their leadership, it became one of the largest special-education schools in the state. Roger served as vice president of Rossier Educational Enterprises, overseeing the career counseling, transportation, and travel divisions, building on his expertise in counseling international students at Cypress Community College. Both Roger and Barbara dedicated their lives to pursuing educational equity and strived for a society that offers a strong education to people of all backgrounds.

In September 1998, that work culminated when the couple announced a $20 million gift to USC’s School of Education. At the time, it was believed to be the single largest gift ever made to a school of education in the United States. In recognition of their generosity and commitment to excellence in education, the USC Board of Trustees voted to rename the then 90-year-old school the USC Barbara J. and Roger W. Rossier School of Education.

“Roger Rossier’s impact on the field of education will be felt for generations,” said USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera. “Roger was a person of conviction and integrity who worked to provide opportunity for those without it. His support and leadership transformed our institution into a modern, influential school of education that impacts research and practice worldwide. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of Roger Rossier, and we are eternally grateful for his positive and lasting influence.”

“[Barbara and I] both feel that we have the responsibility to make sure that others have the opportunity that was afforded to us,” Roger Rossier said when announcing his historic gift to USC’s School of Education.

Rossier remained steadfast in his commitment to USC over the years. In 2016, Roger was inducted into USC’s Half Century Trojan Hall of Fame. He also served on USC’s Athletics Board of Counselors, chaired the USC Rossier Counseling Advisory Council and chaired the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors Scions Scholarship Committee.

Roger Rossier is survived by two sons, Dan and Steve; grandchildren Jennifer, Seth and Sophia; and daughters-in-law Linda and Anne. Barbara Rossier passed away on Aug. 11, 2013, at the age of 78.