Roll Call Tribute

Drew Phillip Rogers 
October 30, 1985 - November 27, 2022

Drew Phillip Rogers was born in San Antonio, TX on October 30th, 1985 to his parents Marcus Rogers and Marsha Rogers Christ. He excelled in school while attending Northwood Elementary, Garner Middle School and Douglas MacArthur High School, and was a natural gifted athlete in many sports including basketball, soccer, track and football. Growing up his faith was shaped by attending camp each summer at Laity Lodge Youth Camp. He also took frequent ski trips with his family, becoming an avid skier and growing to love the mountains and the outdoors. He was blessed to attend Texas A&M University as part of the fighting’ Texas Aggie Class of 2008, earning a degree in Business Management from the Mays Business School. While attending Texas A&M he was able to be roommates with his older brother Luke Marcus Rogers '05 - some of their favorite times were enjoyed attending Aggie football games together.

Upon graduation Drew chose to take the path less traveled and go on an adventure, working in Colorado and Utah at ski resorts and eventually Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Not one to remain stationary, he was extremely fortunate to have been able to chase his dreams on his own terms. He experienced life in ways many individuals could only dream of. Drew was an avid outdoorsman and wildlife enthusiast, hiking to very remote areas many have never seen before. Whether on top of a mountain or deep in a forest, he felt most himself and at peace. Over the years through his exposure to beautiful landscapes and wildlife, he became self-taught in landscape/wildlife photography and captured some of the most breathtaking photography of God’s creation - places such as Denali National Park, Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington State, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. September through November were his favorite times of year to take photos, and one of his favorite spots was Murhut Falls at the Duckabush River on the Olympic Peninsula. When visiting home in Texas he enjoyed photographing the mountains of West Texas and the Texas Hill Country. His talent and ability to capture beauty in nature was truly remarkable.

In addition to photography, Drew became skilled in driving guided tour groups through Alaska and was able to educate guests on his vast knowledge of the local landscape and wildlife. He would often quote the famous naturalist John Muir, who wrote in his journal that “you should never go to Alaska as a young man because you'll never be satisfied with any other place as long as you live," adding, "...and there's a lot of truth to that." He would often take long extended road trips, leaving Alaska at the end of the summer season and driving all the way down to Colorado for winter work, stopping many times along the way to camp and explore at many national parks. He would come face to face with massive North American grizzlies, hike across Mount Saint Helens volcano and the North Cascades National Forest, chase bighorn sheep in Yellowstone National Park, stand among the Pacific coast Redwoods, and hike Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Oregon - all while chasing after the southerly winds which would bring the changing colors of the fall season.

His frequent motto was “Carpe Diem” – Seize the Day. He didn’t want to settle for ordinary, but to go off the beaten path and experience the extraordinary. His years of travel and adventure gave him more experiences in his short 37 years than many will experience in their entire lifetime. He always encouraged others to slow down and enjoy the world around them. He once said: “Go get lost this weekend. You’ll know you’re there when you are so far from civilization, even the mountain goats are curious how you got there! Go discover a new place and explore more unfamiliar territory. You are most alive when you are outside dreaming of wild places!”

Despite his incredible talent in photography, Drew remained modest and did not seek attention or self-promotion as many would in his position. To honor his memory, his family would like to give it the credit he deserves - please take the time to visit his website at https://www.outlandwild.com/, his Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/drew.p.rogers/, and to remember to stop and take in God’s creation around you.

In addition, please consider making a donation in his honor to one of the following organizations that align with/support our nation’s wildlife and the habitats they live in.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) at https://alaskawildlife.org/.../a-donation-in-the-name-of.../ 
The Texas Wildlife Association Foundation (TWA) at https://www.texas-wildlife.org/ways-to-give-twaf/ 
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) at https://www.nfwf.org/ 

Drew was known for always being kind to anyone and everyone, and for always being willing to offer support and help. He is loved and missed by so many. Sadly, Drew passed away due to taking his own life on November 27, 2022. His family wishes to raise awareness for mental health and to encourage others to reach out to those who are struggling. Help is available! If you or a loved one needs to speak with someone about anything you might be going through please text the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 - Available 24 hours.