“To go into Washington, she was willing to move her family and make a lot of sacrifices in order to give back to the country,” Sands says.

Rouse’s classmates agree that she also pursued extracurriculars as an undergraduate with a desire to give back to the community—sometimes in unorthodox ways.

Amada R. Sandoval ’87, who was also Rouse’s roommate, says that Rouse initiated wine tasting events at Adams House with the hope of educating her fellow students.

“In a way, she felt it was a public service of sorts,” Sandoval says, adding that Rouse hoped to show others that good wine did not have to be extremely expensive.

When asked if her appointment to the Obama administration was expected, Rouse’s former roommates respond with enthusiasm.

“Ceci was cut out for great things,” writes Stevens. “She went about her studies like a true professional: purposeful and balanced—no surprises there!”

—Staff writer Amy Guan can be reached at guan@fas.harvard.edu.