Charles Rohn spent the past 35 years of his life giving back to his community by the way of education. Service is a major part of his life, and education was the way he could deliver. Whether he was a U.S. History teacher, a superintendent of a school district, or the dean of the college of education and professional studies (like he was at Eastern for five years), Rohn found some way to give back to his community, his church, or his family.

In June 2006, Rohn officially retired from education, but that did not mean he retired from his life of service or from Eastern.

This spring, Rohn was appointed to a position as a director for the Eastern Office of Philanthropy, working primarily in the Springfield and surrounding areas. Many people who know him think that this is a natural fit for the retired educator.

“He is a good, honest, hard-working man who puts himself out for others,” said his wife Janet Rohn.

When Rohn retired last year, he was excited to start his retirement.

He and his wife moved to the Springfield area to be closer to their grandchildren, a pair of twins, 4, and another granddaughter, 3 months, said Rev. Cindy Jones, pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church and family friend.

Rohn and Janet, a registered nurse, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 27 years. Janet said that no matter how hectic his schedule got, Rohn always made time for his family.

“He was very generous and put me and the kids first. Even years when working a lot he always made time for us.”

Rohn’s children were taught growing up to praise service, but it was never pushed on them. Janet said that when the children were growing up, they chose to join Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other organizations, and that she and Rohn just helped out when they could.

Their son is now a Methodist minister and their daughter is a school psychiatrist, both serving and giving back to their community just like their parents.

“They have both chosen a community service profession, and I could not be more proud of them,” said Rohn.

During his time as an educator, Rohn was also involved with service in the church. When Rohn came to Eastern in 2000, he became head of the church council for Wesley United Methodist Church.

Jones, who worked closely with Rohn when he worked for the church, said that he was always willing to give back to the community, whether with participation or with subtle actions.

“Whenever a decision was made, not only did Charlie listen to what was said, but he picked upon the intelligent side of the decision,” Jones said. “Generosity has always been the foundation of Wesley Church, generosity to others and work. That is what Charlie had, and he stood as a good leader there.”

Rohn wanted to show his skills as a good leader by becoming involved in education. He started out as a U.S history and government teacher. He said he found great promise during his 27 years teaching and working administration from K -12 in Cannelton, Ind.; and New Berlin, Waverly and Lebanon, Ill.

“I am glad to have been led to a career I am good at and enjoy doing,” said Rohn.

After earning his educational specialist and doctorate degrees from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Rohn taught for two years at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. However, he finally found a home at Eastern.

Rohn said he knew many people who graduated from Eastern throughout his career, including his wife Janet, who received her master’s at Eastern, and thought very highly of the university.

During his time at Eastern in the Education department, Rohn was always there for his co-workers and students, always keeping his door open for people to come by and be an ear if they needed it, said Jones.

Rohn said, “During my time working with students at Eastern I have a great appreciation for students and what Eastern does. I am very happy for the opportunity to help out.”

Rohn spent almost a year in full retirement before the Office of Philanthropy contacted him to join their office. He could not wait to come back, at least in a part-time way.

“This new job is a wonderful opportunity,” said Janet. “When he first retired, he had not enough to do. He likes new people, meeting new people and learning about their lives and hopes to learn from them and they learn from him.”

The Office of Philanthropy is a department at Eastern that works with EIU foundations to help find ways to fund the university through external sources, said Allison Mormino, a director at the Office of Philanthropy.

Most funds come from donations by alumni or people who support Eastern.

Donations can be in the form of scholarships, contributions to a certain building or department, or from estate plans that people request when they pass away. They usually match the donor’s passion along with an area the university can benefit from.

Some of the most notable donors are the Tarble family, who has funded the fine arts for many years, and the Kogel family, who paid for the renovations on Old Main.

Rohn is one of two directors of regional base, said Mormino. Rohn works and travels primarily in the Springfield, Bloomington and Peoria area.

He said that the traveling is not too bad, except for the few times where his trip extends to two days. He has a conference with the office one a month and uses phone calls to check in, so he can still enjoy his retirement with his wife, children and grandchildren.

“It all fits together: service, philanthropy and supporting activities such as scholarships. By serving time as a teacher or serving time with church activities, it all becomes closely formatted,” Rohn said. “A relative type of thing better taught by others is to try to be helpful and enjoy others with the community. I assist the university in as many ways as I can to help students throughout Illinois.”