Here we are more than 9 years after Dr. O’Connor’s passing and I just discovered this.
I had the privilege of having Dr. O’Connor as my freshman chemistry teacher at University of Arizona, 1971-72. He was great! By far my favorite professor at U of A. He was writing his own textbook as we went thru the class — he was only a couple of chapters ahead, so we were basically using a manuscript! I kept those two “books” for years after I got married, just because.
I wish Dr. O’Connor’s family well. He was a great man. I thought very highly of him.

I had Dr. O’Connor for freshman chemistry. He was memorable to say the least. Years later I ran into him in a Blockbuster I think. There were several people standing around the check out when he walked in. I pointed at him and said, “There is a famous chemist.” He pointed back at me and said, “There is a man of great perspicacity.” Haha

per·spi·cac·i·ty
/ˌpərspiˈkasədē/
 
the quality of having a ready insight into things; shrewdness.

Today you have been in Heaven  seven years.  I still can’t believe you are gone!  Seems like I think about you all the time.  I love you, Daddo!  Can’t wait until we meet at Jesus’ feet!
Shan

What a wonderful man and professor. I will always remember Dr. O'connor as a caring and great professor at TAMU. I never cared for chemistry but that changed after taking chemistry as a freshman at TAMU. He had a deep love for his students and teaching! I will never forget him. Rest in peace Dr. O'Connor

Dr. O'Connor and Dr. Taylor influenced me so much by how fun and welcoming they were. Even now 39 years later working on my 6th advanced degree I use some of the better grades in less time techniques and teach it to my children now of college age.

Much is lost but much abides. I will not forget the whiz-bang chemistry and how Dr. O'Connor treated me, a total stranger and anxious Freshman in 1981, as though I was a friend. 

I have a long time buddy of mine that is headed to college in the fall of 2020 and I understand he will study chemistry.  Couldn't think of a better way to start college with freshman chemistry in the SLAB at A&M.  Making shaving cream on our first day, I was hooked.  Several professor I remember but Dr. O'Connor is easily in the top 3.  Gig'em Doc!  

I miss you  so much, Daddo!  I can’t believe you have been gone nearly 6 years!  I still  often forget that you aren’t here and I can’t talk to you.  You are so far away, but I know you are having such a wonderful existence in Heaven!   I can’t wait until I see you again and I can give you a big hug!  I love you so!❤️
Love you!
Shan

I was talking with my wife tonight about college memories.  I was telling her about freshman chemistry at A&M and how much fun it was.  Everything, the “below and behind” the “above and beyond” classes and this really cool professor Dr Rod O’Connor.  I googled Dr O’Conner and found out that he had passed.  Such fond memories, Dr O’Conner made it interesting and fun.  Amazing, after 38 years I still remember him.  He had such a meaningful impact on all of our lives.  

I never had a chemistry class in my life before I stumbled into Dr. O’Connor’s program at TAMU. I had dropped out of high school in the 11th grade and took a GED exam to get into Blinn JC and onto A&M, so I was definitely behind the 8 ball as far as advanced science is concerned. What an inspiration. Peace.


The actual book was called “Toward Success in College: Some Nonsense and Horsesense in a step-by-step (that actually works)” and I’d recommend it to anyone that is getting ready to start college. Thank you Dr O’Connor for sharing and caring. A great man indeed. 

He had a sign on his door “Mentor” which I wondered about. You see, I hadn’t seen that on the door of any other of my professors. It didn’t take me long to figure out what it meant and why not too many had that on their door.  He truely cared about each of us. He wanted us to learn, advance, progress, challenge ourselves. He and Dr Taylor even authored and published a How to Succeed at College booklet which taught you how to study lol. This was a great man, a great professor and I’m sure a great father / grandfather. I’ll always remember him and realize that the world lost a Mentor. 

Dr O'Connorwas my favorite teacher at TAMU.  He made chemistry fun like all teachers strive to do.  He mastered it!  He made others in the Chem department jealous and Imregret that.Miles Self Class of 2007 TAMU Entomologist Houstion, Tx

Of all the professors I had while at A&M, Dr. Rod is the one I remember best. His was my first class as a freshman. What a way to start college! He was a gifted teacher and he was also a compassionate soul. He will be missed.

Here is the photo from the Reflections Table set up at the MSC for Muster.

His wit, charm and shear love of teaching and his students made learning Chemistry a pure joy.  I have a autographed 2nd edition of his freshman Chemistry book he gave me after helping to correct the mistakes in the first edition.  A great man whose love of teaching will be missed.

Dr Rod's classes as some of my best academic experiences to this day. He wanted us to actually LEARN. Imagine that??! at college no less!!
Awww, he was great- he will be missed massively by many.

Dr. Rod O'Connor will be honored at Aggie Muster this year on April 21.  I can't think of a more fitting memorial for a man who loved TAMU and the students he taught there.  
Shanna O'Connor '87

Dr. O'Connor was my freshman chemistry professor.  He started out class pretending to be a janitor, blew himself up and emerged from the smoke.  He was one of the best professors I ever had; absolutely the best chemistry professor (I was a chem major so I had many).  I remember people lined up well before his classes started, and when the seats were gone, they stood against the walls and sat on the stairs to crowd into his class.  He was a very special person and I know he will be missed.

What a great way to start off college life at TAMU with Dr. O'Connor as the professor of my very first class!  He made learning fun and it was such a pleasure to be taught by him.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dr Rod was my Freshman Chemistry professor in 1975. Started class off with his crazy professor gig wig and smoke. Dr Rod had a great impact on my life as he shared empathy and love for his students. A life well served and impactful to many Aggies. Gig Em 

Sid '79

OBITUARIO

Rodney J. O'Connor Ph.D

4 julio, 1934 – 7 agosto, 2014

Memorial Funeral Chapel—College Station

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