A fond farewell

Back in 1973, chemistry professor Jim Pincock asked the chair of the department, "So, what's the possibility of my one-year contract being extended?" His answer: "Zero." Dr. Pincock gets the last laugh 35 years later. (Nick Pearce Photo)

Laird Mealiea has big plans for retirement: he’s going to write the next great Canadian novel.

The professor with the School of Business Administration has the storyline mapped out and is sharing the writing with his brother Wallace down in Florida. The plot involves twins and their ability to talk to their younger or older selves through time.

“I’m enjoying it so far,” says Dr. Mealiea, who has written some other books—Skills for Managers in Organizations and Fundamentals of Management and Skills. “Science fiction is a challenge.”

But chemistry professor Jim Pincock’s retirement plans are less ambitious: “I’m going to read a book and after that I’m going to read another one,” he says with a laugh.

SEE PHOTOS: A sweet farewell (Nick Pearce photos)

Dr. Mealiea and Dr. Pincock were just two of the many retiring professors and staff members who turned out for a retirement party at the Victorian Lounge in Shirreff Hall. Dalhousie President Tom Traves distributed gifts—gold keychains and necklaces with the Inspiring Minds logo—and paid tribute to their years of dedicated service to Dalhousie.

Jim Stolzman, professor with the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, says he’s going to miss the students and his colleagues, but figures he’s heard enough inventive excuses for late papers to last him awhile.

“There should be a quota on dying grandparents,” he said dryly.

There are more than 60 people who have retired or are retiring from Dalhousie University this year. They are: