Robert Haught
Someone very special to National Society of Newspaper Columnists is celebrating his 80th birthday this week – Robert Haught. He has had an impressive career as columnist, journalist, correspondent, and political aide. His accomplishments are numerous, yet he remains unassuming and is a dedicated supporter of NSNC. In spite of his retirement from work and writing his regular column for The Oklahoman, he remains active serving on the NSNC Board as Newsletter Editor. In addition, he publishes an online magazine called Haughtline Dweethly. He travels frequently with his wife, Mary, and does interpretations of his favorite philosopher-humorist, Will Rogers, for charity and other events.
But, Bob’s true character is reflected best by what others say about him:
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Bob Haught is an absolutely tireless NSNC supporter, and he has given more time, energy and passion to this group than many people half his age have given to anything. We are truly privileged to have him on our board, and even simply to know him. ~ Samantha Bennett NSNC President
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When, as a simple country lad new to the ways of big-time newspaper columnists, I joined NSNC it was Bob and Mary Haught who made me feel at home. I was impressed when Bob offered to buy me drinks in the hospitality room (it took me several conferences to catch on).
I recall Bob’s efforts to establish the Will Rogers Award, now a treasured part of the NSNC gatherings.
And I also recall leaning on him for advice, guidance and sympathy when I co-chaired the 2008 conference in New Orleans with Sheila Stroup. He was then, and is now, a rock.
As I told him in an e-mail to him, NSNC would not be what it is today without his quiet, unassuming but constant leadership and interest. ~ Smiley Anders, Conference Chair, New Orleans
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One only has to be in the same room as Bob to be pulled into his magnetic energy. You can fight it but you may as well concede the battle early on. Bob seems to know your strengths better than yourself and he challenges you to excel and fly with the eagles. Bob, you fly with the eagles and always invite fledglings to leave the nest of compliance and comfort to soar high and beyond on the wings of your experience and care. Happy Birthday Bob. The best is yet to be… ~ Cynthia Borris, NSNC Contest Chair
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For me Bob Haught was fate dressed in a dark blue suit. Years ago, at my first-ever columnists conference he invited me to get involved with the NSNC. Looking back, I never would have served as NSNC president, spent two days in hospice with Art Buchwald or authored The Art of Column Writing if
it weren’t for that lucky lunch when I first sat next to keen-eyed, ever-involved, hardworking Bob Haught who saw “something” in me. He’s poured countless hours into creating the newsletter, conference programming, raising funds, networking, and all manner of elder NSNC statesmanship. Eighty years young, long may you run! ~ Suzette Martinez Standring, Past NSNC President
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“Every National Society of Newspaper Columnists member who knows Bob Haught respects him for his friendliness, his humor, his excellent writing, his hard work, and more. The great monthly newsletter he edits and the Will Rogers Humanitarian Award he willed into being are huge parts of what makes the NSNC as great as it is.” ~ Dave Astor, NSNC Archivist
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Ernie Pyle
Robert Haught
Separated at birth?
Dave Lieber, NSNC Education Foundation Secretary
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The thing that impresses me most about Bob is his selfless work on behalf of others. He is a mentor to those trying to get started as columnists and is willing to go out of his way to give guidance. In spite of his impressive career, he never talks about his own accomplishments. He tries to make other people look good instead of taking credit for himself. Bob is the person that everyone in NSNC depends on most. When a need arises, he is always willing to jump in and make things happen..Happy Birthday to someone I feel lucky to call a friend. ~ Sheila Moss, NSNC WebEditor
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Bob, Congratulations, and Happy Birthday! A personal milestone to add to your many professional accomplishments – and our organization is richer as the recipients of your experience and service in so many capacities. ~ Dan St.Yves, NSNC Membership Chair
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Bob Haught always, always gave every bit of his big heart to the NSNC ever since he joined. And the NSNC is better for it. ~ Bill Tammeus, Past NSNC President
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And so, we wish Bob the continued best of health and happiness, and a very Happy Birthday!
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