Amherst Magazine Paul P. N. Offner

Deceased April 20, 2004

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In Memory

There is a Jewish saying, Tikum Olam, which loosely translated means, "Leave the joint a little better than you find it."

Paul Offner, who passed away in April, practiced Tikum Olam his entire life.

In the fall of our sophomore year, long after we had all gone through the required bonding/hazing experience of Arnie Arrons, math, and English 1 of freshman year, Paul showed up as a transfer student, living in a single room on the top floor of North Hall.

Paul was quiet (unless he knew you), and it wasn't easy for him to break into the friendships made during freshman year. Nevertheless, his sincerity, social conscience, and intelligence impressed those he met and he made numerous friends.

Paul not only played soccer well, but played piano beautifully and would often drift into Chi Phi and play for hours. Soon we at Chi Phi not only grew to love Paul's playing, but to love and respect this thoughtful, caring fellow with the dry, witty sense of humor.

Paul soon became a Chi Phi and we roomed together junior year.

After getting a doctorate from Princeton, Paul took the political plunge, and moved to Wisconsin to run for the state legislature. Despite being a carpet-bagger, Paul, using that great slogan, "Vote once, vote Offner," won.

In the legislature, Paul became an expert on health care. After losing races for Congress and Lieutenant Governor, Paul put his health care expertise to work for Senator Moynihan as chief health and welfare counselor to the Senate Finance Committee chaired by Moynihan. In that job, Paul quietly and effectively made substantial contributions to the national debate on welfare.

In 1995, Paul took on the thankless task of running Medicaid for the District of Columbia. He then taught at Georgetown where he focused on how to improve the chances of success for young black men.

No matter how important Paul's job, Paul still made time to tutor at the Tyler Elementary School in Southeast Washington, DC.

In 2000, his social conscience and courage were evident in his willingness to testify against the confirmation of Attorney General Ashcroft because of the overt hostility toward homosexuals that Ashcroft demonstrated during an interview Paul had when he was seeking a state position in Missouri and Ashcroft was Governor. Paul's life and character came through the attendant scrutiny strong and clear.

Eight years ago, Paul married Molly Collins who stressed that Paul "believed in public service, accomplishing good and making the world better was key for him." In addition to his wife, Paul leaves his daughter Mary Shu Yu Offner.

Paul, you left the joint better than you found it, your friends at Amherst honor your remarkable career of public service and will always miss you. Our deepest condolences are extended to Molly and Mary Shu Yu Offner.

Terry Segal '64
Harvey Sheldon '64