Arts retirees for 2022 : Dr. Gary Rockman

Thu. Aug. 18, 2022

This year saw the retirement of three of our Faculty of Arts professors. Knowing they'll be greatly missed this fall, we asked some of their colleagues, friends, and former students to share their thoughts.

Here we highlight Dr. Gary Rockman's retirement from Psychology.

As a measure of their respect, the Department Chairs of Psychology, Present and Past, jointly share their reflections on their colleague’s career in the Department. They state that, "No matter how complex or controversial the issue, Gary’s contributions were always calm and thoughtful in constructive ways that helped steer the department forward. He will be sorely missed by colleagues!"

Image credit: Carolynn Smallwood 

Dr. Gary Rockman retired on June 30, 2022 as Professor of Psychology. Having served the Department of Psychology for more than 40 years, Dr. Rockman’s work impacted many - colleagues and students alike. As a measure of their respect, the Department Chairs of Psychology, Present and Past, jointly share their reflections on their colleague’s career in the Department. A former student shares her thoughts on Dr. Rockman as her teacher and mentor. And the Dean of Arts offers his congratulations to Dr. Rockman on this important occasion.

Drs. Hinton Bradbury, Jim Clark, Doug Williams, and Derrick Bourassa: For over 40 years, Dr. Gary Rockman provided tireless service to UW students, colleagues, and the wider Winnipeg community. Gary began his career carrying out studies related to the neuroscience of addictions with various colleagues. He later transitioned from basic research on addiction to clinical psychologist. As such, Gary provided psychological services to individuals in addition to his demanding academic duties. Gary also consulted with community groups on related topics, further expanding the reach of his academic and clinical expertise. Over and above normal duties, Gary supervised numerous Honours students who carried out their first independent research projects, many of whom went on to graduate studies and careers in psychology thanks to Gary. Gary also made valued contributions to the operation of the department and the university. No matter how complex or controversial the issue, Gary’s contributions were always calm and thoughtful in constructive ways that helped steer the department forward. He will be sorely missed by colleagues!

Ms. Nicole Del Rosario, former student: Congratulations Dr. Rockman on a well-deserved retirement.I  owe my confidence in public speaking to exposure via weekly presentations during the Abnormal Psychology class. I always appreciated Dr. Rockman's anecdotes about his clinical work and his strong desire to teach, which is evident in his interactions with students. I am fortunate to have worked with Dr. Rockman as my honours thesis supervisor and to have him as a mentor when pursuing Clinical Psychology. Best wishes on your retirement!

Dr. Glenn Moulaison, Dean of Arts: Dr. Rockman served his students and colleagues faithfully over the span of a very lengthy—and what must have been a very rewarding—career. I wish him all the best as he enters the next chapter of his life.