Jennifer Rockwood and I were never close friends. I first met her almost forty years ago, and I’ve been an admirer ever since. Our circles overlapped and our lives have intersected periodically. When I became the first woman to serve as executive director of the county D party, Jennifer, after viewing the local media coverage, intervened. She called me with advice (NEVER wear shiny dangly earrings on television) and referrals – for new glasses, a haircut, and a makeup lesson. I think her motivation was not just to help me succeed but to make sure that my image inspired other women.Those who know me know that I would have resented that advice from almost anyone else, but from Jennifer it was a gift. I still buy my glasses from Georgeanne, and Carmen still cuts my hair. While I was a party leader, I occasionally turned to Jennifer to help tune up a candidate’s public persona. Her analysis was always insightful and often surprising. While I worked at UT, I watched how she inspired students and inspired their growth.
I’ll miss her.