We share the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Roger Albert. Roger was a highly regarded educator who taught sociology and criminal justice for more than 30 years, and his contributions to the field will be deeply missed. He retired in 2012 and became a Faculty Emeritus in 2014. Previously, he taught at Douglas College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Vancouver. He was a graduate of Simon Fraser University.
After moving to the Comox Valley in 1983, Roger quickly became an integral part of North Island College. He served as a faculty representative on the North Island College Board of Governors for many years but also was a fierce faculty union activist who served in many roles representing faculty. His exemplary leadership as department chair of Humanities and Social Sciences and pioneering work with educational technologies were widely recognized. Roger was instrumental in implementing the use of satellite delivery of instruction through the Knowledge Network and ITV. His contributions were acknowledged with numerous awards, including the 1997 Innovation in Teaching Honorable Mention Award and the 2012 NISOD Excellence in Teaching Award.
Throughout his career, Roger inspired generations of students with his passion for sociology and criminal justice. Many of his former students credit him for playing a vital role in shaping their future paths. He was also an accomplished writer and researcher, with published work on topics such as pronoun bending, evolutionary thought, and critical thinking in education.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Roger was an avid artist, producing striking prints and paintings featuring dogs, boats, and landscapes. He was deeply committed to his community and was actively involved in numerous local boards, including the Cumberland Museum and Comox Valley Art Gallery. He was also a dedicated environmentalist and loved nothing more than taking long walks in the Cumberland forest near his home.
Our thoughts are with Roger's family during this difficult time, particularly his wife Carolyn Kirk Albert, a valued member of the NIC community. Roger's contributions to the college and the broader community will be deeply missed. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
