On June 30, 2022, Allan Rock will be retiring from his position as a full professor. His time and contributions as Past President and professor are notable and greatly appreciated. The Gazette has compiled this brief portrait of a generous, engaged leader.
A love of teaching
Allan Rock first attended the University of Ottawa’s high school before enrolling in its university: he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science in 1968 and then a law degree (LLB) in 1971.
He went on to pursue a career as a lawyer, member of Parliament, and minister, before being appointed Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. But in 2008, he returned to where it all started: the University of Ottawa. He served two consecutive terms as uOttawa president and vice-chancellor, namely from 2008 to 2016. But he always enjoyed teaching, so in 2017, he became a full professor at the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section. Since then, his knowledge and wealth of international experience have benefited a great number of students.
Thanks to Allan Rock, “the University of Ottawa has earned a reputation as a centre of excellence in international law,” said Craig Forcese.
A president attuned to the needs of the University community
Under the presidency of Allan Rock, the University spared no effort to improve student life and the student experience.
Such efforts included building the residence at 45 Mann to increase the number of spaces available in residence, along with obtaining $400 million to create facilities such as the Learning Centre, the Social Sciences Building, the Advanced Research Complex, University Square, and the new Gee-Gee’s field on Lees Campus, all of which are now popular, indispensable facilities at uOttawa.
An agent of change
“In addition to serving the students, research, and the Francophonie, my other priority was to help the University of Ottawa become more international,” added Allan Rock. By establishing new partnerships throughout the world, including with the Max Planck Society in Germany and the Jiao Tong University of Shanghai, China, he helped forge the international profile of our university, thus solidifying the foundations of uOttawa’s future.
During his time as president and vice-chancellor, the proportion of international students at uOttawa rose from 3% to 18%.
Allan Rock also worked to improve teaching and research at the University. He hired several new professors, reduced class sizes, and increased opportunities for experiential learning at the Michaëlle Jean Centre, within the CO-OP program, and through the undergraduate research opportunities program (UROP).
In terms of the Francophonie, he implemented several measures to strengthen the Francophone identity of which the University is so proud, such as boosting recruitment of Francophone students and reducing tuition fees for Francophone students from abroad.
The University according to Allan Rock
Allan Rock told us that he is delighted to see the progress the University has made and continues to make, and that he is optimistic about its future. “This university will remain among the best in Canada. It will continue to offer an enriching student experience, and become even more international.”
Allan Rock’s plans for retirement include volunteering, both as a member of the World Refugee and Migration Council and as a member of several other boards. He also promises to “maintain strong ties to the University.”
“I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to the University of Ottawa; it has played such a major role in my life,” he said in a farewell statement that reflects his generous spirit.