There is a popular quote in history circles that reads: “We are who we were.” The sentiments of that quote seem to be particularly meaningful when applied to Roger Dornburg’s life story. Though a man living vibrantly in the present, surrounded by the deep love of family and friends, Dornburg holds dear the past he shared with others. That reverence and respect is evident in the careful gathering of pictures, clippings and mementos used to both celebrate and inform this induction.One of the most poignant elements of Dornburg’s artifacts is an envelope carefully housing his high school track ribbons, with a note from his wife, Ann, that reads, “The medals that were won in track events are soldered on our three daughters’ and my charm bracelets.” Dornburg’s past is a living, beautiful thing, carried by his family in their daily lives. A past decorated by achievements, rich in diverse experiences, and indicative of a life lived with grace, humility, and passion.One of Dornburg’s favorite memories is of moving to Naperville in 7th grade from a farm near Kankakee and a 2-room school house with 5 students in his class; he loved getting to know so many new friends. As he told the Daily Suburban Trib in 1981, Naperville looked like a big city, so he decided to keep his “mouth shut and just play the game.” A natural athlete, he loved the game of football football. As a freshman, 14-year-old Dornburg made headlines when he “racked up 13 touchdowns and nine extra points in six games for a total of 87 points and a new individual scoring record in the frosh-soph division.” He went on to set the Little 7 scoring record in the frosh-soph division with a record-breaking 116 points in a season.As he grew, so did his impact: Dornburg was part of three conference championship teams, playing defense as a sophomore before stepping into what became known as the “Dream Backfield.” Dornburg remembers the hard work as well as the unique chemistry of his team. He shared, “It just happened that it all fit…we meshed together, we complemented each other…[Coach Harshbarger] would come up with some formations that nobody had ever seen in high school. People would stand there and look at us. They didn’t know what the hell we were doing. It was fun.” The fun came with discipline and a strong influence from the coaches he respected, as Dornburg noted, “We played just one game at a time. That’s the way the coach designed it. He’d run you to death if he thought you were looking ahead.” With that one-game-at-a-time mentality, the Redskins were undefeated in 1947 and 1948 and ended the 1949 season tied with Wheaton for the conference championship. Dornburg earned All-Conference honors and was named to the 1949 All-State team. The Aurora Beacon News lauded his achievement, writing, “Dornburg, a 5-10, 180 pound terror for Naperville, was the state’s leading ground gainer through his regular schedule of games. His running and passing accounted for more than 1,500 yards…more than any other back in the state.” Coach Harshbarger also sang his praises, declaring, “He’s about as tough as they come in all aspects of the game…He’s a rugged tackler, passes, punts, is a good blocker and intercepted 18 passes as our defensive safety man.”That toughness translated well to Dornburg’s performances on the basketball court – where he started on the freshman, sophomore and then varsity teams – and the track, where he excelled at all events. In 1948, the basketball team had the most successful season in years, advancing to the regional finals, while the 1949 team placed 3rd in conference after the last game of the season ended a deadlock three-way tie for 1st. A multiple-threat competitor in track and field, Dornburg tried his hand at just about everything, enjoying especially the relays, sprints, and shot put. As committed to his studies as he was his sports, Dornburg was named to the National Honor Society.After graduating from Naperville High School, Dornburg played linebacker and was a co-captain at the University of Wisconsin. The 1953 Wisconsin Athletic Review noted of Dornburg, “A regular linebacker on defense the past two years, his defensive work now is that of a halfback. While not speedy or tricky, he has tremendous power and is a good blocker. [Wisconsin Head Coach Ivy Williamson] terms him a ‘football player, period!’ a real tribute.” One of his proudest collegiate moments was playing in the 1953 Rose Bowl. Dornburg graduated with a B.S. in Economics and was drafted in 1954 by the Washington Redskins, where he played four pre-season games before entering the Army.After serving in the military, Dornburg worked in Savings and Loans, helped run a restaurant in Lisle, and worked for Union Carbide as a salesman for 30 years, selling chemicals and equipment to paper mills. While his professional years took him away from sport, he never lost his love for competition, instilling his work ethic and passion in his five children.A man as excited about the past as he is the present and the future, Dornburg leaves these words for today’s classes of Redhawks: “Always do your best, never quit, and get the best education you can get.”As we truly are “who we were,” Naperville Central is especially blessed to have Dornburg’s legacy.