Constance Rooke (Posthumous)

Dr. Constance Rooke served as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Winnipeg from 1999 to 2002. Her vision for UWinnipeg was to expand the involvement of the University with the community at large and to deepen its engagement in cultural life within the city. She was strongly committed to strengthening ties between the university and the citizens of Winnipeg.

Rooke deeply valued the importance of a strong liberal arts and science education. She considered this to be UWinnipeg’s greatest asset and emphasized the importance of increasing awareness of this message to the public and government.

Rooke began her academic career teaching at University of Victoria where she later became Vice-President (Academic). Following this, she served as Chair of the Department of English as well as Vice-President (Academic) at the University of Guelph. Recognized by her students as a dedicated and talented teacher, Rooke was awarded the 3M Teaching Fellowship award for her generous approach to the sharing of knowledge and her genuine focus on the interests of students.

A main theme throughout Rooke’s career was the importance of clear and open communication as an effective tool for learning. As a widely published author and editor, she was a passionate and effective advocate of writer’s causes. Dr. Rooke was co-founder of the Eden Mills Writer’s Festival and served as President of PEN Canada.  

Rooke passed away in October 2008.