The Trent University community is saddened to learn of the passing of professor emeritus Dr. Rory Coughlan.

Professor Coughlan began working at Trent as a professor of psychology in 2002. During his time at Trent, he served as a member of the Executive Committee of Trent’s University Faculty Association (TUFA) from 2005 – 2009, acting as the grievance officer, member of Joint Committee and as part of the collective agreement negotiation team (2009). Prof. Coughlan was chair of the Trent Research Ethics Board from 2008 – 2013; and, from 2014 to 2016, he served as chair of the Department of Psychology.

Prof. Coughlan was a passionate instructor/supervisor, championing experiential learning and encouraging his students to be agents of change in their respective communities. In 2010, Prof. Coughlan was selected as one of 20 university and college teachers across Ontario to be short-listed for TV Ontario’s 2010 Best Lecturer competition. Prof. Coughlan retired from Trent in September 2018.

A memorial service for Prof. Coughlan will be held Saturday, January 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Interfaith Chapel at the University of Victoria. The family recognizes that Prof. Coughlan made a lasting impact upon those who knew him (friends, colleagues, students and staff), and if anyone wishes to share stories regarding their relationship with him, please send them to Prof. Geoff Navara (geoffnavara@trentu.ca) who will compile them to be read at the memorial.

The University extends heartfelt sympathies to Prof. Coughlan’s family and friends, and to all who knew him at Trent University.