Jim Rothenberger, a member of the faculty of the School of Public Health since 1972, was an outstanding teacher, inspiration to thousands of students and a dear friend of the School and the University. Jim received the University’s highest honor for teaching, the Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award, as well as numerous other University and professional awards for teaching and community service.

Former students recall his lectures, his gift for storytelling and the passion he brought to public health discussions. Many who have pursued degrees and careers in public health credit Jim for inspiring their career choice. Many more students (he taught nearly 100,000 over 35 years) recall him as one of the best teachers they ever had.

Even while battling serious illness for 23 years, Jim taught a heavy course load – about 15 a year. He pioneered new courses on HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse and dying and death in contemporary society. In 2002, he created an innovative online course, Alcohol and College Life, for incoming freshman. It is now offered on six campuses. Jim also found time to make numerous presentations to campus and community groups and national and international conferences each year. And he served as an adviser to health organizations and agencies.

Born in 1947, Jim followed his father and grandfather in earning a bachelor’s degree at the U of M, in 1969. In 1979, he received a master’s in public health, also at the U. Jim is survived by his mother Merna and sister Jane, both of Pensacola, Fla. When asked what he did at the University, Jim would respond, “I teach about sex, drugs and death.” What he didn’t say was that he devoted himself to his students, his teaching assistants and his profession – and inspired all who had the good fortune to know him.

John R. Finnegan, Jr., Dean
School of Public Health
University of Minnesota
December 9, 2008