On Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007, Northeastern lost one of its students to heart failure. It was not an older adult student, but a young man of 25. This Political Science major, who was due for graduation in spring 2008, succumbed to a heart condition that had caused him trouble throughout his life.
The following was printed in the program for his funeral service:
“Roderick Howard McMichaels-Chandler was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 26, 1982 to Dianna McMichaels and Howard Chandler. His father preceded him in death.
“If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back again. There is never the right time for one to say goodbye, Son, you were gone before I knew it and only God knows why. My heart will ache in sadness and secret tears will flow, Rod, how I’ll miss you dearly, one will never know. I’ll always remember your favorite song, you sportsmanship, and your incredible smile. Hmm, GOD knows there was much more in store, had you stayed awhile. A mother’s love is so special, one can’t describe, a son’s many accomplishments, I could never hide. Rod, I’ll continue to love you until the end of my day, a special place in my heart is where you’ll always stay. ~ Your Mom, Dianna”
Roderick accepted Christ at the age of seven, was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. He obtained a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and attended Jesus Outreach Ministry. His passion there was his love for the children.
A heart transplant at the age of twelve was a step in a positive direction for his health, but required a lot of effort to maintain.
Roderick received his GED in 1999 and furthered his education at Triton College and Northern Illinois University. He continued his education at NEIU. Only a few days prior to his death, he was inducted into the Political Science Honor Society.
Another one of his passions was basketball. He had a dream. and desired to see boys and young men enter the world of basketball by showcasing their God-given talent. On Oct. 6, 2007, he fulfilled that dream by hosting his first basketball showcase at Concordia University by bringing young men and people from area high schools and college scouts together. Out of that, he founded the Illinois Basketball Report.
Rod is survived by his supportive network of family and friends, and his loving mother, Dianna McMichaels – also a student at Northeastern in the department of social work. She has returned to school, and insists that her faith carries her through this hard time.