Posted by: Russ Braby – Perth – Former colleague Jul 16, 2014
When I started in the field of intl edu as a student worker, Hong was a friendly face at the UWL OIE. As I came into the field professionally, I found her to be a great colleague, and I loved her passion for the industry as a whole. What a great person! She will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to Hong’s family.
-Russ Braby
Posted by: Jim Crawley – Allendale, MI – Professional Colleague Jul 12, 2014
I was truly saddened to hear about Hong’s passing. She was a true friend and professional colleague. She was also a mentor to many. I enjoyed serving with her in NAFSA leadership, and I treasure the many conversations that we shared. She is smiling down on us (she always had a smile for everyone) and would want us to continue our dedication and commitment to international students. You will be missed my friend.
Posted by: Marybeth Gruenewald (ECE) – Milwaukee, WI – Colleague Jul 11, 2014
My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Hong. I met Hong when she was working for UW-LaCrosse and I just began my volunteering with the State and eventual Regional NAFSA Teams. Whenever Hong and I would chat, she would make me feel as if I was the only person in the room. All her focus, her eyes, her warmth and compassion would be on me and our conversation.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you
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My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Hong. I met Hong when she was working for UW-LaCrosse and I just began my volunteering with the State and eventual Regional NAFSA Teams. Whenever Hong and I would chat, she would make me feel as if I was the only person in the room. All her focus, her eyes, her warmth and compassion would be on me and our conversation.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
I shall never forget how Hong made me feel and I hope in some small way I made her feel the same. I shall miss seeing her smile.
Posted by: Kabee Vue – La Crosse, WI – Student and Colleague Jul 11, 2014
Hong was such a sweet and sincere person. You could not deny that she was brutally honest about many things. I had known of Hong for many years before ever meeting and working with her. Hong was always looking out for everyone’s best interest and always thought “outside of the box.” She would always suggest for you to do something that you often overlooked or never considered. For me, what started out as a work-study gig, really became a career
Hong was such a sweet and sincere person. You could not deny that she was brutally honest about many things. I had known of Hong for many years before ever meeting and working with her. Hong was always looking out for everyone’s best interest and always thought “outside of the box.” She would always suggest for you to do something that you often overlooked or never considered. For me, what started out as a work-study gig, really became a career choice that I didn’t think was possible at the time. I never really thought that 7 years after setting foot into the International Education Office as a student worker, that I would still be working in International Education. I’m very thankful that she was there the help poke, prod, and lead the way for me, even if it was only for a short period of time.
Posted by: Jennifer Brumfield – Elgin, IL – colleague Jul 10, 2014
I first met Hong through NAFSA and her visits to meet with international students at my school in River Forest, IL. I remember spending the morning with her and her phrase “Let’s go, let’s do it!” will stay with me forever. Her constant enthusiasm and ready smile made her a shining light and inspiration to all of us in the field of international education. On a personal level, she always had a smile and hug when we met. I am
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I first met Hong through NAFSA and her visits to meet with international students at my school in River Forest, IL. I remember spending the morning with her and her phrase “Let’s go, let’s do it!” will stay with me forever. Her constant enthusiasm and ready smile made her a shining light and inspiration to all of us in the field of international education. On a personal level, she always had a smile and hug when we met. I am so sad to hear this news and will mourn the loss of this wonderful spirit in the field of education and in my life. My deepest condolences to Rusty and family.
Posted by: Margaret Brostrom – Menomonie, WI – Friend Jul 07, 2014
Nancy Wilson, my sister-in-law and a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church, introduced me to Hong in 2011. I was so taken with Hong and her accomplishments that I asked her to speak on December 11 of that year to my P.E.O. sisters, a group of retired ladies who support higher education. She provided a very informative and totally delightful presentation describing her international recruiting efforts for UW/Stout. She also addressed the program at Stout to welcome new international students
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Nancy Wilson, my sister-in-law and a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church, introduced me to Hong in 2011. I was so taken with Hong and her accomplishments that I asked her to speak on December 11 of that year to my P.E.O. sisters, a group of retired ladies who support higher education. She provided a very informative and totally delightful presentation describing her international recruiting efforts for UW/Stout. She also addressed the program at Stout to welcome new international students to the community. Her talk, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the group, was followed a question and answer session during which Hong received a barrage of queries about her life growing up in China. In addition to educating all of us, she charmed us so much! Hong’s loss is immeasurable. My heart aches for Rusty; I will keep both of them in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Betsy Morgan – Onalaska, WI – friend Jul 02, 2014
I worked with Hong at UW-L for many years when she was in International Education and I was a psychology professor/chair. I will remember her for her lovely smile, her commitment to students, and her ability to laugh easily. I’m sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Janine Thull – Menomonie, WI – colleague & friend Jul 01, 2014
Dear Rusty and family –
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Hong’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her on many committees at Stout. I appreciated her enthusiasm, energy and sense of humor she displayed no matter the situation. She was a woman of great vision, care and passion. I will miss her immensely.
Janine Thull, UW-Stout
Posted by: Nina Kohr – Munich – colleagues Jun 26, 2014
Dear Rusty,
We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Hong.
We had the privilege of knowing her personally and really appreciated working with her.
On a personal level we will always remember Hong’s positive energy, enthusiasm, hospitality, generosity and interest in people.
She will be sadly missed, both from a personal and from a professional point of view.
Please convey our regret and condolences to her family.
Sincerely yours,
Munich University of Applied Sciences:
Prof. Dr. Heinz Ziegler
Prof. Dr. Christoph Seesselberg
Sabine Walter
Nina Kohr
Christian Rode
Posted by: Bonnie Bissonette – Baltimore, MD – Friend Jun 25, 2014
To Hong’s family: Hong was the first person to welcome me to the field of international education when I took a job at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau in 2002. Later, as only Hong could do, she convinced me to volunteer for something, and so it went from there. She was one of the loveliest people, and when we caught up at the conference in San Diego, it was with a promise to ” chat more soon”. Her loss is
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To Hong’s family: Hong was the first person to welcome me to the field of international education when I took a job at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau in 2002. Later, as only Hong could do, she convinced me to volunteer for something, and so it went from there. She was one of the loveliest people, and when we caught up at the conference in San Diego, it was with a promise to ” chat more soon”. Her loss is a great and difficult loss to the many people you shared her with, so it’s impossible to imagine the quiet space in your family that Hong has left. My most sincere condolences at this time of unimaginable loss. She was much loved.
Posted by: Ron and Margaret Melick – Menomonie, WI – friend Jun 24, 2014
Rusty,
We are saddened by your loss. It is so hard to lose one’s life partner. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Margaret
Posted by: Danny Wan – Friend and Colleague Jun 24, 2014
Dear Hong,
It has been an honor and a privilege getting to know you. It’s hard to believe just a couple of months ago, we had a conversation on the phone. Now, you are in heaven with God. Thank you for the great friendship and advice throughout the years. You have taught me so much. Thank you and Rusty for giving me a surprise office visit three years ago in Michigan. I will miss you!
My condolences to Rusty and the family. May God bless you and keep you.
Danny Wan
Posted by: Kristen Aguto Jun 24, 2014
To Hong’s Family,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Hong. Our paths crossed many times throughout the years in the international education field. She was such a bright light every time I saw her. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
With love and sympathy,
Kristen
Posted by: Xiaodong Kuang – Madison, WI – Partner Jun 24, 2014
Upon hearing this bad news I was so shocked that I lost my mind that moment. How could such a kind lady leave us in such a way? I couldn’t believe it when one of my friends told me, then I checked online to read the news and pictures. I would rather email her and expect her quick response as usual, but …
I started the recruitment agency business two years ago, and UW-Stout is my first partner. Hong shared many
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Upon hearing this bad news I was so shocked that I lost my mind that moment. How could such a kind lady leave us in such a way? I couldn’t believe it when one of my friends told me, then I checked online to read the news and pictures. I would rather email her and expect her quick response as usual, but …
I started the recruitment agency business two years ago, and UW-Stout is my first partner. Hong shared many valuable experiences with me unselfishly and encouraged me a lot. Without her support in the beginning, I might have quitted. Somehow she is among the persons who influenced my professional tracks. Her integrity, generosity, work ethic, and advices will be appreciated and memorized.
May I wish an ultimate peace to Hong, the Rost and the Xiang families!
Posted by: Catherine An – Beijing-China – partner Jun 24, 2014
My deepest condolences to Hong’s family. I am so sorry to hear the news. I met Hong at my company’s Educational Fair for the first time and she gave our counselors a training later. She was such an easy-going person and an excellent educator. She discussed with me how to increase the number of the Chinese students and how to promote the program. I will keep her in mind and hope she lives happily in heaven.
Posted by: Mihye – Seoul – partner Jun 24, 2014
Hong,
I will miss you a lot.
You were a great partner for me and valuable to know.
You were diligent, positive, concerned and very wise.
I will pray for you.
With deepest sorrow hearts
Mihye, Kim
IUEC
Posted by: Sarah Jome – Bloomington, IL – friend Jun 23, 2014
Hong was so great to know. She was fun, energetic, smart and kind and I will miss her a lot!
Posted by: Tami Renner – Chicago, IL Jun 23, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Hong’s passing. She was an amazing woman and educator and I will miss her smile and her hugs every time I saw her. I am so honored to have met her and spent time with her. I know her memory will live on in the lives of her family and the many international students and colleagues she touched over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Posted by: Sherin Elmahdy – La Crosse, WI – Visiting Scholar at the UW-L Jun 23, 2014
Hong, you were an honest giving person! All the goods you did will lead you to Heaven! RIP Hong Rost!
Posted by: Venus Wong – Hong Kong – UWL Alum Jun 23, 2014
Dear Rusty and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Host was a great friend. She will live on in my memories forever.
Posted by: Amy, Wilson, Josh and Jeremy Lane – Menomonie, WI – Friend Jun 23, 2014
Dear Rusty and family,
Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Hong was a genuine and caring person who was a very good friend. She will be missed, however, never forgotten through the many lives that she has touched during her life on earth. Until we meet her again, may God’s caring peace and comfort be with you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Amy, Wilson, Josh and Jeremy Lane
Posted by: Sandy Kidder – Winter Haven, FL – NAFSA Region V colleague Jun 22, 2014
My most sincere sympathy for Hong’s family and friends. Hong touched my life as a fellow international educator and I know that her light will continue to shine for the many others for whom she made a difference. Rest in peace, my friend.
Posted by: Andria Morse – Menomonie, WI – Colleague Jun 22, 2014
Dear Rusty and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Hong. I have had the pleasure of working with her over the past five months at Stout but it wasn’t long enough. The day before she passed we went to coffee and had a great conversation where she provided professional advice and great wisdom on the field of international education. I am thankful for that time with her. I will miss her laughter, energy, and enthusiasm that she brought to the office every day. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by: May TAO – Hangzhou China – colleague and friend Jun 22, 2014
My deepest condolence to Hong’ family. Hong visited my university twice. One month ago my father passed away in a car accident and Hong’s care and comfort comes timely and tenderly. her last email to me was on June 18 and she said “we can certainly talk more about other possibilites”. She was always so enthusiastic with her career and effiencient in heavy work. But what makes her different is the stories about her and the way she treats all encounters. Hong is a legendary Chinese woman and I’m proud of her.
Posted by: Kate Zheng – Ann Arbor, MI – Colleague and friend Jun 22, 2014
Dear Hong,
The beauty of a life well-lived never dies. I will miss seeing you at conferences, having dinner together, and talking about China and families.
Posted by: Kevin Beisser – Milwaukee, WI – Colleague and friend Jun 22, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Rost family. Although we began in International Education around the same time I see Hong as one of my mentors. We shared a love for students and recruitment and would feed ideas to each other. Whenever we were at a conference we would make sure to have breakfast at the Hilton (Always on Hong with her Hilton points she so coveted). and go on and on about better ways to recruit. I also had the
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My deepest condolences to the Rost family. Although we began in International Education around the same time I see Hong as one of my mentors. We shared a love for students and recruitment and would feed ideas to each other. Whenever we were at a conference we would make sure to have breakfast at the Hilton (Always on Hong with her Hilton points she so coveted). and go on and on about better ways to recruit. I also had the priveledge to travel to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and China with Hong. It was my first time in China and Hong was so very proud to show me all it had to offer. We spent hours getting scrolls made with my children’s names in Chinese. The hours spent of course first was Hong bargening making me leave and come back to make sur we got a good deal followed by a lengthy debate over the translation of the names Diego and Pablo.
I could go on and on about all the great times and how much I respected Hong. She will be truly missed and I am homered to have known her.
My sincere condolences.
Posted by: Linda Bark – Menomonie, WI – Co-worker Jun 22, 2014
Dear Mr. Rost and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Hong’s passing. She was a fine woman who’s enthusiasm for education was contagious. She truly cared about her staff and students. When she mentioned her family her eyes would just sparkle.
I will miss her very much.
May God and his angels comfort you.
Sincerely,
Linda Bark
Posted by: Noah Norton – Menomonie, WI – UW-Stout colleague Jun 21, 2014
Hong Rost begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting was such a wonderful person to work with. She was a major driving force that transformed International Education at UW-Stout and did it with such a fantastic joyous, enthusiastic and energetic approach. She was awesome and miss her.
Posted by: Beth (Blackburn) Rabenhorst – Longview, , TX – High School classmate to Rusty Jun 21, 2014
We praise God for Hong’s life and for the inspiration and blessing she was to those around her. We’re grateful for her love for Jesus Christ and we have the assurance that she and Rusty will be reunited one day in heaven and “What a Day That Will Be”!
Posted by: Brian and Kathy Finder – Elk Mound, WI – Colleague Jun 21, 2014
To Rusty and family,
While it’s difficult for many of us for us to completely comprehend the feelings of loss that your family is currently experiencing, please know that our heartfelt condolences are extended to each and every one of you. Hong brought an abundance of energy and warmth to our university and we will always carry vivid memories of her vitality. Our prayers are that your hearts will mend with time and continue to carry forth the caring nature that she so graciously extended to those around her.
Posted by: Nancy Murray – WI – Colleague/Friend Jun 21, 2014
Hong will be dearly missed at UW-Stout! She shared her faith with me recently ~ she has quite a personal testimony! I hope many others have or will hear of her journey to eternal salvation
Posted by: Nancy Blum Cumming – Menomonie, WI – Colleague Jun 21, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Hongs family. I worked with Hong while she was at Stout and always enjoyed her company. She brought so much to our Intern. Ed. Office. She will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry!
Posted by: Abel and Deborah Adekola – Menomonie, WI – Colleague and friend Jun 21, 2014
Rost and Xiang family: Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the untimely passing of dear Hong. As our hearts feel heavy knowing she would be highly missed, we know that God loves her more, hence being called home early. We pray that her Soul rest in perfect peace while we all summon the courage and strength to carry on her legacy “the Hong’s way.”
Abel & Deborah Adekola
Posted by: Rudie Altamirano – Devon, PA – Colleague and friend Jun 21, 2014
Rusty and the Rost family: Our sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy! Hong was a dear friend and colleague. She was kind, caring and a great support to the international education field. We will miss her tremendously!
Posted by: Roger and Lori Brostrom – Menomonie, WI – friends from IBC Jun 20, 2014
Rusty and family we know what you are going thru and we are praying for your needs and we want to thank you for coming IBC and grace us with your presence in fellowship and song and testimony. Our mother will get to know her in Heaven. Praise the Lord. In Christ and his Love. Roger and Lori Brostrom
Hong Rost Memorial 