Dr. Rojo teaches a Biology class circa 1962
It is with heavy hearts that Saint Mary’s University announces the passing of Professor Emeritus Dr. Alfonso Lucio Rojo. He passed away peacefully at his home in Halifax on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at the age of 96.
Dr. Rojo joined Saint Mary’s University and founded the Biology Department in 1961; he was also instrumental in establishing the Faculty Union (SMUFU). For twenty-seven years, Dr. Rojo worked across the hall from his wife, Dr. Enriqueta Unturbe Rojo, the first woman professor at Saint Mary’s University. When he retired in 1986, Dr. Rojo was named Professor Emeritus. He maintained an active research practice well into his 90s.
All three of his children are Saint Mary’s alumni. His daughter, Monica Rojo, taught Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics from 1995 to 2009.