Robert Tremblay (BA ’26) could never really see himself playing shuffleboard in retirement.

Digging for pieces of lost history under the Sicilian sun and diving off the coast of Marzamemi in pursuit of ancient knowledge — that was more his speed.

“Everyone is different, but I knew the next chapter of my life would be fuelled by the power of learning,” says the 66-year-old St. Catharines resident.

Tremblay crossed the stage during Brock’s 119th Convocation on Wednesday, June 10 earning his degree in Classics and Archaeology with a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration, both from Universite de Moncton in New Brunswick.

Robert Tremblay, 66, crossed the stage during Brock University’s 119th Convocation on Wednesday, June 10 earning his degree in Classics and Archaeology with a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

The retired Major spent 34 years dedicated to civilian and military service with the Canadian Army before coming to Brock. He served on two tours of duty in Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti.

In 2015, Tremblay was awarded the prestigious Meritorious Service Cross by former Governor General of Canada David Johnston for his work planning a joint security effort for the 2015 presidential elections in Haiti.

But the decorated Canadian veteran has always had a passion for archaeology, poring over books about ancient civilizations, art and architecture long before he made the decision to study formally in retirement.

“I lived a very full life through my career and worked hard over the years, and coming back to study at Brock — the joy of learning — was the reward,” he says.

During his studies, Tremblay undertook three European archaeological expeditions alongside Brock faculty and researchers.

Tremblay completed 60 archaeological dives in the Central Mediterranean during an expedition to Marzamemi, Sicily, led by Professor Elizabeth Greene and colleagues from the United States and Italy. His work included underwater survey and the excavation of a ballast pile off-loaded by an ancient ship.

Robert Tremblay, a retired Major with the Canadian Army, spent 34 years dedicated to civilian and military service, serving on two tours of duty in Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti. In 2015, Tremblay was awarded the prestigious Meritorious Service Cross.

He also spent two summers analyzing and contextualizing architectural material found on the Italian Island of Pantelleria during archaeological investigations led by Associate Professor of Classics and Archaeology Carrie Murray.

Call it beginner’s luck, but Tremblay found many significant artifacts on Pantelleria, including votive and ancient scarab statues.

“Excavation was hard work, even for a former infantry solider,” he says. “I give credit to all the younger people undertaking this challenging and incredibly rewarding career.”

Department Chair and Professor of Classics and Archaeology Michael Carter says it was a great pleasure to have Tremblay in class.

“He was always upbeat, reminding us of the joy in learning. He brought an inspiring work ethic to the class — a model for the rest of us,” he says. “Robert is a natural leader and always participated, bringing the wealth of knowledge and experiences that he has to class and seminar discussions. We are thrilled that he will be continuing his studies at the master’s level next year.”

Perhaps not unexpectedly, when Tremblay attended his first-year Introduction to Archaeology course, he was mistaken for the professor. It’s a moment that continues to make him smile.

The students, or “young people” as Tremblay warmly calls them, laughed along with him as he fielded questions about why, in his 60s, he came back to university.

The answer was simple.

“I love to learn,” he says. “I love archaeology. I told them I’m still a student curious about the world, just like them.”

Robert Tremblay, 66, crossed the stage during Brock University’s 119th Convocation on Wednesday, June 10 earning his degree in Classics and Archaeology with a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

The first-year students were impressed — if not slightly baffled he was attending class “for fun” — and became fast friends, forging unexpected connections that continue to inspire Tremblay.

“Having the opportunity to connect with these brilliant young minds has been an experience I won’t soon forget. We have learned so much from each other,” he says.

Tremblay’s pop culture references have also never been sharper — an added bonus he uses to impress his grandchildren.

Reflecting on his experiences over the past four years in the Department of Classics and Archaeology, Tremblay says “the faculty, the research, the knowledge — it’s all been an incredible experience filled with unique opportunities.”

He’ll continue his journey at Brock this fall, pursuing a Master of Arts in Classics and building on his work started during the Pantellerian excavation.

“If I can contribute to archaeological knowledge, I can put my name on one little brick on the big wall of this field of study,” he says. “It’s a small contribution, but for me, it’s a life goal fulfilled.”