Today I tried to get to work a little
early as it was the day of the Chemistry Olympics at NJIT. When I
got to the library I observed some commotion by the circulation
staff, but I couldn't pay attention to it as I was in a hurry to get
to the competition. I started out as usual but at 9:30 I got an
email from Davida saying that Rich Sweeney was hit by a car as he was
crossing the street after parking his car. He was hurt very badly
and was taken to the hospital. About two hours later Cindy Wos from
the chemical engineering department came in to say that he died from
the injuries he sustained in the accident.
Just after lunch I returned to the
library as the staff huddled together comforting each other.
President Joel Bloom and Provost Fadi Deek came by to comfort the
staff and brought a few people from the counseling center.
I must remember Richard Sweeney for the
kindness he should the staff over the 20 years he was University
Librarian. Just after he assumed the position he invited the entire
library staff to his home for a barbeque. It always a tradition for
him to take people out to lunch for their birthdays. Sometimes it
would be in a group while other times he would take one person out.
He was especially kind to me in September 1997 when he went out of
his way to attend my father's funeral. On several occasions he went
to funerals of family members of staff. He always liked to make
small talk with me about the New York Mets.
He will be certainly be missed by the
entire NJIT and library communities. My sincere condolences to his
family.
To quote radio personality Harry
Harrison “Every day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.”
