Minot State mourns the passing of Rod Romine
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is saddened to announce the passing of longtime booster and alumnus Rod Romine, who died at the age of 89 on March 29.
Romine was bestowed an honorary degree in broadcasting at Minot State University’s Spring Commencement in 2014 after a 40-plus year career in radio and television. Romine retired as the manager of Reiten Broadcasting in 1994.
“Rod was an absolute pillar within the Minot State University community and especially with his longstanding commitment to Beaver Athletics. He bled MSU red and green,” said Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley. “Not only was Rod a genuine friend to so many of us in the community and across the state, he was truly one of the nicest people to ever grace the planet. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We will certainly miss seeing Rod on campus supporting our students, and our thoughts and condolences are with his daughters and extended family.”
Following his retirement, Romine gave his time to multiple organizations in the greater Minot community but was especially generous with MSU. He was a charter member of the Minot State Board of Regents, was a Beaver Booster member since its inception in 1958, served as chairman of the MSU Athletic Committee, and is credited for establishing the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
“Rod was a wonderful supporter of Minot State University on so many levels,” said Rick Hedberg, vice president for advancement and executive director of the MSU Development Foundation. “He was one of the founders of the Beaver Booster Club and of our Athletic Hall of Fame and was a committee member on practically every fundraising drive we had over several decades. He never said no when he was asked to assist. Rod was just a quality person and he set a great example for the rest of us. You don’t replace a guy like Rod Romine.”
Romine was enshrined into the hall of fame he helped create in 1993, being selected for MSU Athletics Hall of Fame Special Achievement Award.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Rod’s family,” said Andy Carter, director of athletics at MSU. “Rod is a perfect example of what makes Minot State University and the city of Minot special. He was a special person, and I am saddened to hear of his passing.”
He began his career in broadcasting as a disc jockey at KCJB in Minot and worked for KXMC and KXMB, CBS affiliates in Minot and Bismarck. He served as the president of the North Dakota Broadcasters Association. Romine began his career in broadcasting after a tour of duty in Korea in the United States Army.
Romine chaired the committee that worked to achieve the name change to Minot State University and is the only individual to receive the Special Achievement Award, MSU Alumni Association Golden Award, and the C.P. Lura Award, an award for his contributions to higher education.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 03/30/22 |
