As 2025 draws to a close, the Brock community is bidding a fond farewell to several retiring colleagues, including a faculty member who has served under every University president from James A. Gibson to Lesley Rigg.

Professor Joseph Kushner in the Department of Economics joined Brock in 1969. In 2019, he celebrated 50 years of service to the University by donating $50,000 to student awards.

Teaching and Learning Librarian Ian Gordon Ian Gordon helps a visitor navigate the reference section in 1992.

An accomplished researcher who frequently collaborated with colleagues in his department and across the University, Kushner was also recognized for his skilled teaching when he became the first recipient of the Faculty of Social Sciences Teaching Excellence Award in 2002.

He chaired the Department of Economics from 1980 to 1986 and was Director of Business Economics from 1994 to 2010. He also served as President of the Brock University Faculty Association in 1972-73 and has sat on a multitude of departmental and University committees.

In the community, Kushner is easily recognized thanks to his extensive volunteering and generosity. Earlier this year, he published a book about his experiences as Canada’s longest serving municipal councillor, having worked as an elected official in Niagara since 1976.

Chair of the Department of Economics Lester Kwong says Kushner’s retirement is “truly something to celebrate after such a long and distinguished career.”

“Not only was Joe a great researcher and instructor, but he was also a wonderful friend and mentor to the department,” Kwong says. “His door was always open for advice, and as the longest-serving member of the University, he had plenty to offer!”

Teaching and Learning Librarian Ian Gordon, who retires this December, was an early supporter of the beloved annual activity known today as Wellness Day, and will be remembered by many for his rousing opening remarks and activities.

Teaching and Learning Librarian Ian Gordon (MEd ’04), who joined Brock’s library in 1988, has also seen significant changes during his time at the University.

“When I came to Brock, there were no personal computers or cell phones — research was primarily done by hand,” Gordon says. “We’ve come a long way, such that the library is now an essential place, a space and a service. With the advent of artificial intelligence, the library is an even greater partner as people figure out what to do with so much information coming their way.”

Gordon, a trained physical scientist, worked primarily with student and faculty researchers in the Faculties of Mathematics and Science and Applied Health Sciences over the past four decades.

“What I really enjoy is working with graduate students — teaching, instructing and creating tools to help students become information literate along the way,” he says. “And I’m proud to have helped the community see librarians as researchers through my own work and by encouraging others to take first steps, to conduct and publish research.”

He says he is also proud to have seen the library grow into such a powerful site for Brock scholars. While his own research has been his passion, he says “having a front row seat on life-changing faculty, staff and student research was the most exciting and rewarding part” of his Brock career.

Gordon’s editorial involvement with Science and Technology Libraries has spanned over ten years, and his biggest research impact stems from a series of articles about the information-seeking skills of mathematicians, physicists and chemists.

As he wraps up his latest research projects this coming winter, Gordon says he’s looking forward to spending much more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. A devoted triathlete, he is also excited to have more time to train for an Olympic distance triathlon trial.

The following staff and faculty members are also retiring this December:

• Dale Bradley, Assistant Professor – Communication, Popular Culture and Film
• Marian Bredin, Professor – Communication, Popular Culture and Film
• Laura Cousens, Associate Professor – Sport Management
• Thomas Dunk, Professor – Sociology and Criminology
• Desmond Flynn, System Support Specialist – Information Technology Services
• Frank Fueten, Professor – Earth Sciences
• Martin Kusy, Professor – Operations Management
• Jian (Jason) Liu, Professor – Health Sciences
• Cheng Luo, Associate Professor – Applied Linguistics
• Maureen Lux, Professor – History
• Cheryl Mallen, Associate Professor – Sport Management
• Roland Mech, Associate Director – Space Management and Planning
• Tim Murphy, Professor – Psychology
• Brian Ross, Professor – Computer Science
• Kojo Saffu, Professor – Entrepreneurship
• Ana Sanchez, Professor – Health Sciences
• Harry Serabian, Technical Analyst – Information Technology Studies
• Donato Tarulli, Associate Professor – Child and Youth Studies
• Peter Vietgen, Associate Professor – Educational Studies
• Vera Woloshyn, Professor – Educational Studies