Blog comments

• Once again we have Derryn to thank. "All we ever owe the world is the truth." - this is his mantra and I can only support him in making these revelations. It seems to me as a distant observer that Saxon was inept in his public role yet garnered some support by immature adults who still believe, way beyond their adolescence, that learning is best when it's 'fun'.
  When you examine the moderate tones and well-written piece by Ceecee and contrast it with the response by VU it doesn't take much experience to deduce which is likely closer to the truth. And these comments are probably from our fraternity being trained in law. Pity.
  And, further, with regard to all the comments positive towards the late Saxon - saying that they saw none of the asserted misbehaviour - it is at this time in their careers that they should grasp the meaning of the expression "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence".

  Ardwych Sunday 19 December, 2010 - 4:57 PM

• I was in Rolf Saxon's class of Business Law. I am Indian and Sikh. I want to share my experience. Rolf was a overconfident, rude and a bit crazy person. He used to call me sikh not with my name. Also he used to ask me lots of questions in his class.I thought that to be somewhat racist.
  In his tutorials he used to chat with girls on topics related to sex. He once asked a girl with whom did she slept last night ? I felt that was not good for a professor to talk about.

  Some people think that Rolf used to encourage disadvantaged students. I have a experience regarding that also. There was a girl from SRI LANKA, it was our 1st tutorial. Rolf asked the students if thy are having books with them or not ?
  That girl was not having books. Rolf asked her the reason of not bringing the books to class. She told him that she was out of money and didnt bought books and will bring in next class. Rolf gave a statement " I think people who dont have money to buy books should not think of attending a university " according to me that was discouraging for a student.
  
  Rolf was more popular for his fun during his lectures. Students who were not that much interested in studies used to find that interesting but serious students used to find that distracting.

  At last i would like to say Rolf was not fit for a profession like teaching.I think, he should have been working in a law firm during his career days defending some criminal cases with a confidence which he had in himself. But to commit suicide was a coward thing to do.

  REST IN PEACE

  Anterpreet Singh Saturday 18 December, 2010 - 5:40 PM

• Thanks to all that have kind words to say about Rolf. Yes, we his family are devestated. He was bitterly disappointed at the lack of support from VU and many of his colleagues for the plight of disadvantaged students (those that VU are supposed to help) and severly depressed at the death of our mother 12 months earlier.

  He did villify students, but only those did not work, not for any other reason. If any student feels aggreived by Rolf's behaviour towards them, then perhaps they should think back at their (lack of) work. Yes, he was tough but incredible just. He tried everything to make learning easier. His unPC comments were designed to get students thinking. If anyone thought otherwise then more fool them.

  Derryn Hinch is the biggest coward ever. Naming Rolf, condeming him before knowing he was guilty and making sweeping comments about his reason for suicide. Nothing was gained but more misery. Shame on you DH you DH

  linda@accountant.com Thursday 9 September, 2010 - 8:19 PM

• Blessings.

  Gamo Thursday 22 July, 2010 - 8:19 AM

• Ctd...

  police contacting him for questioning. Rolf was not guilty. He died out of disappointment, frustration and angst that people can be so bad and ruthless in their treatment of others, often in the name of law and righteousness. Rolf might have been

  disappointed because of the ruthlessness of a girl.

  Life is not all black or all white and often it's a mix of both. Why should you judge Rolf as all black?? Christ teaches us that the greatest attribute that a person can ever have is kindness. Rolf has that kindness, (esp. that he is a person of strength and authority who many look up to); that's why he gives these students from disadvantaged background a chance in life. He is a great man. And he is an excellent person that Victoria as a state to lose a great asset as Rolf. Rolf is talented and has the ability to positively influence others, uplift others, and bring others more alive and delight.

  In classes Rolf taught well and made classroom atmosphere vivid and made education fun. He was no doubt one of the best teachers in their life for many students. Does anyone remember Rolf's law - his FIRAC methodology?

  My heart goes to Rolf's friends and particularly his family, particularly Rolf's dad, who surely would be so devastated about this loss.

  Rolf is in Heaven now smiling and standing next to our Heavenly Father. He died as a hero and my thoughtful prayers will go to those of Rolf's family and friends and trust that they will get the blessings of Heaven.

  James
  London, United Kingdom

  James Thursday 22 July, 2010 - 6:33 AM

• Hi there,

  I am shocked and in tears to read that Rolf has passed away. He would be the last person I knew who would do this to himself.

  I confirm all of the positive comments that I read from the above dates 5/11/09 - 21/4/10 are true.

  He has a heart of gold and if you come across him, and if you are perceptive enough, you could feel his good heart and the vibe of his good heart. He was once a student in Korea and might have had some hardship as an overseas student. So when he sees these international students with disadvantaged background coming over to Oz to study with their family working so hard to suport these kids, and law is never an easy subject to pass for those whose English is a second language, I gather that Rolf out of good heart will pass them and give the kids and their hard working mum and dad a chance in life to succeed. Better than those priviledged kids from Xavior College who will choose to steal in New Zealand (and who knows what white collar quiet corrupt things they would do when they grow up, coming from such affluent family backgrounds, isn't it?)

  Some students would be touched by Rolf's actions to assist them and help them to get by.

  Rolf has a strong personality and I don't think he was in weakness when he makes that choice to end his life. I think it's bc he was disappointed. He was disappointed that in this world that why should a person who do good things would be led to persecution such as

  James Thursday 22 July, 2010 - 6:32 AM