Many have shared their memories and lent their voices in paying tribute to Rohner and his remarkable life. Below are the full remarks that have been shared. There is also a form on this page to allow for others to share their memories of Rohner.

Lou Barracato, Class of 1965 and Retired Associate Professor of Law
“In the Fall of 1962, I left Connecticut for CUA Law where the first person I met was a 3L named Ralph Rohner. The best decision I ever made at that time, and for the remainder of my professional and personal life, was to keep him in my sights and do my best to live my life “just like Ralph.” He was my mentor, my tutor, my colleague, my Dean, and, most importantly, my friend. I could not have chosen a more perfect person. Ralph was brilliant but unassuming. He was fair to all who needed his guidance. He was deeply religious, a man of faith, who practiced his religion and lived his life with understanding and love for all. I followed him to HEW and then CUA Law. I followed him as the Dean of Admissions. I saw firsthand his commitment to the University and the Law School. I reaped the benefits of his untiring effort to build a state-of-the-art building.

During the summer of 1963, I had the privilege of attending his wedding to Monica Nowak. For 56 years he was a loving husband. His four children had a doting father who talked proudly about them. His ten grandchildren will miss him greatly. He was a true Renaissance Man. He was as comfortable discussing the morning sports page as he was lecturing students or bankers about the UCC. He loved the O’s, although for some inexplicable reason he became a National League fan when the National’s came to DC. The only flaw I could find in a life well-lived. He tried to be athletic but his exploits on a golf course are limited to his exploits trying to drive the golf cart. My life has been enriched because I knew Ralph. My life has been fulfilling because he was my friend.”

Michael Cozzillio, Class of 1973 and Former Colleague
An article he wrote "A Man For All Seasons": “This week, the legal academic community was diminished by the passing of Ralph Rohner, former Dean and Professor Emeritus of Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. In a world where the term “gentleman and scholar” is often tossed about somewhat cavalierly, Ralph not only epitomized it, he defined it. Few individuals have ever equally distinguished themselves as both outstanding human beings and brilliant academicians.

My personal memories of Ralph hasten back to 1973. At that time, I had traveled to Washington, D.C. to check out a few law schools as part of my impending graduation from college. After making a few unannounced visits to some area schools where I was provided both a catalog and the exit door, I ended my sojourn at Catholic University. When I asked with naïve impudence if I could see the Dean of Admissions, I was ushered to a chair where in a manner of moments I was invited to join a guy in khaki slacks, an open neck shirt, and a warm handshake. Ralph Rohner.

At that point, I explained my non-illustrious college history which had been characterized by too many hours at the University of Delaware’s Student Center basketball courts and not enough time in its classrooms. I almost tearfully explained that my college transcript reflected a junior and part of a senior year finding “religion” and I asked if the law school would be willing to disregard my first few years of misspent matriculation. He simply smiled and without any hesitation said, “if you can provide me with a final semester that continues to show improvement, you are in.” I did so, and he graciously fulfilled his promise within a matter of hours.

Years later, when I applied for a position on the Catholic University law faculty, Ralph, and my lifelong friend and law school favorite son, Lou Barracato, recommended that the powers that be “hire this guy.” Their exhortations were well-received and launched me on the career of my dreams.

I did not want to share these experiences simply because Ralph was good to me. He was good to everyone. He was principled without being self-righteous. He was devoutly religious without being sanctimonious. He was accomplished without being judgmental. He found the Uniform Commercial Code to be a piece of cake, but never demeaned the legions who have been flummoxed by its mysteries. And, perhaps of greatest importance to him, he was a damn good third baseman. Not up there with his beloved “Brooksie,” but a real asset to our softball team! In that vein, he was a rabid fan of the Baltimore Orioles but demonstrated his noblesse oblige by indulging my “misguided” allegiance to the New York Yankees.

He was a model colleague, a terrific father, and a nonpareil husband. In that regard, it bears mention that Ralph’s spouse, Monica, was his better half or, at least, equal partner on countless levels. She was devoted and supportive in all aspects of their relationship, yet she was an independent and accomplished professional in her own right. Above all, like Ralph, she has also treated others with class and decency. It has been said that the Lord often acts in strange ways. There was nothing odd about this pairing. Ralph was a man for all seasons. Monica was his female counterpart. That marriage was truly made in heaven.

Perhaps, Ralph’s most lasting legacy is his stewardship of the construction of the award-winning law school building. After decades of lamentation about the pedagogical challenges presented by the brave but outdated Leahy Hall, Ralph brought the promise of a new home to fruition. Through tireless fundraising efforts, retention of outstanding architects, and an incredible commitment to the project, he made the dream of a building unrivaled in terms of utility and aesthetics a reality. In truth, he was responsible for this landmark as if he had laid the bricks and mortar himself. To be sure, no one would be disserved if the edifice now bore the name “Rohner Hall.”

I will end by paraphrasing my thoughts at my own father’s funeral. All baseball fans are intimately familiar with Leo Durocher’s famous comment, “Nice guys finish last.” It is readily apparent that Leo never met Ralph Rohner. In the minds and hearts of his friends and colleagues, he was, as former Dean Steven Frankino said of fellow Catholic University icon Arthur John Keeffe, “To Molto Meglio Insegnante,” a much better teacher.”

Jean Emery, Catholic Law Staff
“It has been an honor and privilege to know Ralph both professionally and personally. From my first day working at the Law School, everyone spoke so fondly of Mr. CUA. Ralph was a great mentor to me and I learned so much from him. Ralph was such a kind person and he truly touched the lives of everyone around him. I am so grateful I could call him and Monica friends.”

Nessa Feddis, Class of 1983 and Board of Visitors member
“I first met Ralph as his pupil many decades ago. Then and now, one of my most vivid images of him is as a clear and patient professor, whether teaching students, practicing lawyers (both inexperienced and experienced), or Congress itself. He was always ready to help, not just with the law, its history, and analysis, but nudging one, not on what to think, but how to think.

He was elegant and refined, in appearance, wit, presentation, and hospitality, whether for formal events or for dinners in his and Monica’s warm and inviting home. And he and Monica always made such a seamless couple.

With his range of knowledge and interests, including his unquenchable interest in people, it was always such a pleasure to converse with him, whatever the topic. He was one of those people you always looked for as soon as you arrived at an event where he was present. Is Ralph here?

Despite his successes and talents, he was humble and humorous, as reflected in his hearty laugh when I asked him to sign my copy of his The Law of Truth In Lending. No – he had no expectations of long lines at Politics and Prose after a sold-out reading for questions on such matters, but he also underestimated how many of us value, appreciate, need, and continue to use that tome. And he did oblige and signed my copy. It is a treasure.”

Dena Feeney, Class of 1963
“I arrived in August 1960 to find myself not only the sole female in my law school class but also the only female in the school. I needed a protector and help. Ralph was it - sometimes behind the scenes and sometimes openly.

First, he made sure that I had a ride from the campus to the law school near DuPont Circle. He had Monica type our group’s insurance coverage report and with the group, kept me completely in the dark. When the Dean had decided that there were too many of us in our group he told me to find another group. There was no other group to find. The Dean was happy leaving the only female swinging in the breeze. Ralph came through he said just stick with us. The group without me then went to one of the well-known establishments on 12th and reviewed their plan. At the presentation to the Dean, the first question was addressed to me who had no idea what the report said. After the males snickered Ralph finally rescued me. On the last day of class, Ralph cut a rose from the bush in the “parking lot” behind the school and dared me to take it into the Dean’s class. Of course, I did. I entered the class off the fire escape with the rose between my teeth. Thus, ended our formal classes though we still had to take exams.

Ralph was a real friend and a gentleman in the true sense of those words.”

William Fretz Jarrett Jr., Class of 2004
"I was blessed to have been taught by Professor Rohner.  The Collection of Memories here taught me a lot more about our wonderful law Professor.  I immensely enjoyed his law class.  He was a A Gentleman and A Scholar.  Please say hello to his lovely wife, Mrs. Rohner, for me."

Veryl Miles, Class of 1980, Professor of Law, and former Dean
"He played many important roles in my life; he was my teacher, my colleague, my mentor, and my friend. And he was generous and perfect in every way. I will always treasure the gift of his wonderful life."

Victor Muzzatti, Class of 1990
“We always addressed Professor Rohner as the Dean. He was larger than life. A fond memory that I have always cherished was when he took the time out of his evening to stay behind from going home and talk me through a few things. I had some academic challenges during my three years at the Law School. There was one evening that I decided that I wasn’t going to attend my estates and wills class and just go out and purchase a few beers from a local storefront and come back to the campus and relax. I happened to be outside of the administration building at the time and was sitting under a tree enjoying a cold one just as the Dean was leaving for the day. He stopped over to see how I was doing, which wasn’t out of character for him at all. I proceeded to offer him a beer and invited him to join me and he accepted. I had explained to him some of the struggles I was facing. He listened intently. We sat there for probably a good 40 minutes just talking, him and I, and a few cold beers.

The Dean was always there for me, he personally counseled me from time to time and helped get me through to graduation. I wasn’t sure if he was just trying to get me graduated so I would leave or if he genuinely cared (kidding, of course). The Dean was always available for any of us. His smile was always present and contagious; his presence was always comforting and a gift to those of us who struggled.

The Dean was always a fixture at any of our class events. We had a spectacular class and we had a great deal of respect for Dean Rohner; we will miss his presence greatly.”

Georgia Niedzielko, Class of 1981 and Catholic Law Staff
“I had the opportunity to know Ralph as his student, his employee, and colleague. He had a unique way of engaging people on a very personal level. It was clear that he cared about people and his entire focus was bringing out the best in each person. His patience and professionalism inspired us all to do our best. Many people have talked about how much he loved the Law School. He loved the institution, but he loved all the people, students, staff, faculty, and alumni much more.

He never tired of teaching, in the classroom and outside of it. I hear his voice telling us to put the steps of a financial transaction in order in Com Trans and I know it was a lesson in putting facts in order for analysis. I think that's why he has been such a trusted leader all these years. His patient, calming presence taught us all to think, to analyze, to take different perspectives into account, and always to show compassion and concern to everyone in the community.”

Jeff Puretz, Class of 1981 and Chair of the Board of Visitors
“Ralph Rohner was always willing to help a student. I found that out when I was in my third year as a student in the night program in 1980. I had started working as a law clerk for a prestigious Washington DC law firm and I was trying to make a good impression. For a corporate client, one of the partners asked me to figure out what happens when a company declares bankruptcy. I picked up the phone and called Prof. Rohner for help. He then spent 1.5 hours with me laying out the fundamentals of the bankruptcy process, the “automatic stay” under the Bankruptcy Code, and what happens to debt owed by the debtor. He then went on to suggest questions we should be asking the client about their facts. I took his advice, presented it to the assigning partner, complete with questions that should guide our dialogue with the client. The partner, who was young and had no background in bankruptcy, was really pleased and thought I was really knowledgeable in the area. I reported back and thanked Prof. Rohner, and he said he was glad to help.”

Lawrence Radanovic, Class of 1963
“We were in undergraduate school together, at CUA, he one year behind me. We were fraternity brothers and had great times together at social gatherings. He was president of our fraternity during his junior and senior years, brilliant as an undergrad and super brilliant as a law school classmate. Since we had all classes together (our day class consisted of 30+ students which took place in the old Dulles mansion on 18th Street downtown, a facility donated to the University. Ralph established a close social identity with all our profs, especially our Dean, the venerable Vernon X. Miller. The Dean taught Torts without a casebook, as he assigned cases from his syllabus. Consequently, all the cases required for reading were "dog eared" from 30+ days and however many night students all consulting the same case books of which there was a single copy in the law school library.

Dean Miller referred to Ralph as "Mr. Royner" and me as "Mr. Radanowitz"! As I'm sure you are well aware, Ralph was editor-in-chief of the CU law journal and was lured back to CU Law by Dean Miller after spending a year in the West Coast teaching law. The Dean said he needed someone to teach Commercial Transactions, a slot that had recently become vacant and rather quickly. So, Ralph and Monica packed their bags and flew back East. Ralph excelled in this field as a professor and distinguished himself when he was hired part-time as legal counsel in his field to Sen. William Proxmire on the Hill. Ralph was also active in the ABA Commercial Transactions Section and gave many talks for many years at the various bar sessions. Of course, we know of Ralph's contributions to the "sister" law school in Krakow, Poland.

Ralph was a busy man during his heightened career but he always found time to remember his friends and fraternity brothers along the way.

I suppose I could go on and on about Ralph, but I'll stop here. He was a most unforgettable friend and associate. We'll especially miss the New Years’ Eve dinners we shared together for the past several years.”

Bonnie Ryan, Class of 1990
Thank you for this notice which comes as most unwelcome news. I last saw Dean Rohner at the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Law School and Chapel. Ralph holds pride of place for many of us during his tenure and beyond.

George P. Smith II, Professor Emeritus
“Ralph's work ethic as a scholar, teacher, and Dean was hard to match. His vision and his singular commitment to advancing the professional stature of the Law School is allowing generations of students an opportunity to be educated in a state-of-the-art and the architecturally award-winning facility by a strong faculty that he recruited in large part over the course of his Deanship.”

Anthony Villani, Class of 1977
Ralph’s wedding when we all got to meet Monica and Ralph’s giving me a good mark in commercial transactions but telling me that although the mark was the same, the quality was nowhere near Mary Folliard’s. He could not let it pass.

Joan Vorrasi, Catholic Law Staff
“Ralph was an incredible Dean/leader/boss. He expected his staff to give nothing less than 100% to our jobs. He expected us to excel at whatever we were doing. Because he believed we could and would do so, we did just that. That being said, when mistakes happened (and they did), he would work with you to correct the problem quickly. When problems arose, he considered all sides and options, and even those who disagreed with him would say that he was fair, respectful, and kind, even when the answer was no. In all the years I worked with him, I never heard him raise his voice. One learned quickly never to disparage another person in Ralph's presence. If a snarky comment was made about anyone, his response was ‘He (or She) always speaks highly of you.’

The “new building” became a reality because he made it happen. I remember him not wanting to ask people for money (I'm not a fundraiser!) but thank goodness he was pushed into doing it since we knew what he did not. No one could tell Ralph Rohner “no” when he came calling for help. He didn't "spin" the message, he reminded alums how much Catholic University Law School did for them and let them know he and the school needed their help.”

Leah Wortham, Professor Emerita 
“Ralph was dedicated to CUA since he came as an undergraduate in 1956 and stayed on for law school. I came to know him well in 1988 when I became Chair of the Building Committee and worked with him for five years as an Associate Dean when he was Dean. Ralph simply was one of the most insightful, smart, steady, honest, and decent people one could know. He worked tirelessly—retaining his sense of humor—in the leadership and fundraising to make the law school building a reality. At the building’s 25th anniversary last fall, Ralph, Monica, his four children, and I laughed about how much the building campaign was a family project with Monica and Ralph so often on the fundraising trail, building model in tow. He was a man in full—in his family; beloved by so many friends and former students; scholar; leader.”