Remembering Tami Rouse

A Legacy of Service, Kindness and Community

The Black Hawk College East Campus community mourns the passing of Tamara “Tami” Rouse, a treasured alumna, dedicated volunteer, community leader, and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who share in this loss.

Tami leaves a legacy of service rooted in a belief that education, encouragement, and opportunity can change lives. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care she gave to Black Hawk College and the communities she supported.

A lifelong connection to BHC's East Campus

Tami first connected with East Campus as a Horse Science student. Her time in the agribusiness club and on the horse judging team helped shape her dedication to agriculture, leadership, and service.

She continued her commitment as fundraising chair for the Agri-Business Club Alumni and as an ABCA representative on the Foundation’s board. In 2025, she received the Outstanding Ag Alumni Award in recognition of her contributions to the College and the agricultural community.

Her generosity helped keep alumni and students connected and supported the opportunities that an East Campus education offers.

Helping others discover their path

Through her work as an office manager and career planner at CareerLink, Tami helped people explore education, training, and employment opportunities. She encouraged others as they set goals and worked toward better futures.

Her dedication reached across the region. She was president of the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce and contributed to the Stark County Fair Board, Stark County for Continuous Improvement, and the University of Illinois Extension Council. As a Stark County Century Clover 4-H leader, she helped young people build confidence and leadership skills.

The impact of her service continues through the people she encouraged, in their families, workplaces, and communities. In this way, Tami’s care for others goes beyond our campus and region, helping to make the world better.

We will miss her and remember her with affection, respect, and lasting gratitude.

Honor Tami’s memory

The family asks that memorial gifts go to the Black Hawk East Foundation. A scholarship will be created in her memory to honor her lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for others.

A gift in Tami’s memory will help continue her commitment, joining her legacy of service with the hopes of future students.