Jim Rothenberger, a member of the School of Public Health faculty 1972-2008, was an outstanding teacher, inspiration to thousands of students and colleagues, 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) remember him as one of the best teachers they ever had.
Even while battling serious illness for 23 years, Jim taught a heavy course load. He pioneered new courses on HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse, dying and death in contemporary society, and Alcohol & College Life in 2002. Jim also found time to make frequent presentations to campus and community groups and professional conferences each year and served as an adviser to several health organizations and agencies.
In 1969, Jim followed his father and grandfather in earning a bachelor's degree at the U of M. He received his Master of Public Health degree ten years later, also at the U. When asked what he did at the University, Jim often responded, "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.