This academic year, the Department of Economics will be celebrating the retirement of Professor Joe Kushner, who has been part of Brock since 1969.
Over the years, Joe has contributed in every way you can imagine – as a teacher, researcher, mentor, and leader. He was the first recipient of the Faculty of Social Sciences Teaching Excellence Award (2002), and in 2019 he marked 50 years at Brock with a $50,000 donation to support student awards.
Joe has also contributed years of dedicated service to the Department and the University, including as Chair of the Economics Department (1980–1986), Director of Business Economics (1994–2010), and President of BUFA (1972–73).
Outside Brock, Joe is well known in the Niagara community for decades of public service and volunteering. He has served as an elected municipal official in Niagara since 1976, and earlier this year published a book reflecting on that experience.
For those of us in Economics, Joe is especially known as a great colleague – supportive and always willing to share thoughtful advice. Many of us have benefited from his perspective, his generosity with time, and his genuine interest in helping others.
We’re grateful for everything Joe has done for the Department, our students, and the broader community, and we wish him all the best in retirement.



