A successful fundraising effort will bring a memorial bench to the Illinois State University campus honoring Carol Rofstad, a student who was murdered 50 years ago. It remains unsolved.
Rofstad was a senior psychology major at the time of the attack outside her off-campus sorority house in December 1975. ISU’s Department of Psychology helped spearhead the online fundraiser, along with Rofstad’s family and recent ISU graduate Nicole Roach.
Roach investigated Rofstad’s case while she was a student. She connected with Rofstad’s family members, ultimately leading her to the idea of a memorial to share her story.
“I kind of felt like there should be something on campus for her. She really loved the school, and she really loved her sorority,” Roach said. “I always thought although it might not give her closure, it’s something for her family and people who loved her. People can go see her name on the bench and feel a connection.”
The fundraiser began June 4 and surpassed its goal of $4,500 on Monday. Roach said she and ISU Annual Giving Senior Managing Director Jillian Nelson will next map out the next steps toward getting a bench for the campus.
The bench will be located in Redbird Plaza behind Fell Hall and near DeGarmo Hall, where the Department of Psychology is located.
Roach said ISU’s support helped significantly. She said it crafted a professional look that helped the fundraiser gain more attention and support from alumni. Roach also thanked and recognized donations from ISU’s current students.
“A lot of students don’t have a lot of money, so for them to put a contribution to [the fundraiser], it means so much,” Roach said.
The Department of Psychology also shared the fundraiser with its followers on Facebook.
“From fundraisers to formals, barn dances, the DZ shuffle, and countless nights enjoying each other's company, Carol was a sister that any sorority member would be lucky to have,” the department said. “She is remembered as an immensely caring, giving, and kind young woman who would go out of her way to help others.”
As the case approaches its 50th anniversary, Roach said the bench will be an opportunity to remind students that even though it is never the victim’s fault, they need to be aware and cautious when they find themselves alone.
Additionally, Roach wants to remind those who stop to see Rofstad’s story that nobody is ever forgotten.
“People will always fight for you, even if they don’t know you," said Roach. "There’s always going to be someone who will fight for you. I really think that everyone deserves to be remembered, no matter who you were.”
Rofstad's killing remains an active investigation. On the 49th anniversary of her attack, Normal Police said on Facebook that the department “continues to investigate the homicide of Carol Rofstad and has gone to great lengths to provide answers to Carol’s family and friends.”
