Kindness is Our Norm

James C. West, AoK
4/26/70 - 3/10/23

James imparted his kindness to the Rutgers community and beyond, inspiring us all to bet better

James was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and to all of us, a dear friend and special colleague. He lived to the fullest and found joy in the simplest things. His dedication to helping others, his passion for his work at Rutgers, and his commitment to this institution and our community. James had a remarkable ability to see beauty in things that others may have overlooked. He is remembered for his friendliness, generosity, and ability to make everyone around him feel loved and valued.

He was nominated and was awarded the Beloved Community Award which recognizes individuals (students, faculty, or staff) at Rutgers who most exemplify a beloved community where members work together and are heard, respected, and valued. Recipients engage in frequent acts of kindness toward all, particularly those who may be “invisible” within the community. Award winners make others feel “seen, heard and valued,” and help to address issues of equity in the workplace and the world.  

“Our legacy is really the lives we touch, the inspiration we give, altering someone's plan - if even for a moment - and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue. More than anything, we are remembered for our smiles; the ones we share with our closest and dearest, and the ones we bestow on a total stranger, who needed it right then, and God put you there to deliver.” 

With truly authentic people you can FEEL their love. But society doesn’t always measure those qualities, for the most part. On your resume, you’re not inclined to write, I’m really nice, I care for people, I listen, I am kind. Instead, we list our accomplishments and degrees. We will continue to honor our Ambassador of Kindness each day, by trying to fill the world with kindness – one act at a time.