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Dr. Robert (Rob) Shea was a champion of career development, a transformational leader, a valued mentor, a positive force – and a beloved friend. His loss is deeply felt by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rob was CERIC’s founding Board Chair and continued to play an important role in shaping our work over the following decades. As we grapple with this profound and sudden loss, we also reflect on Rob’s significant professional legacy and personal impact. CERIC reached out to several of Rob’s colleagues to capture a snapshot of his immense positive influence on career development, higher education, the Canadian military – and beyond. In these tributes from many colleagues-turned-friends, Rob’s warmth, generosity and passion shine through. Rob is missed and loved, and his legacy will live on.
If you would like to share a story or reflection about Rob, please feel free to write in the comments below.
Dr. Robert Shea embodied the spirit of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! with his boundless enthusiasm for life, career development and higher education. When discussing his passions, Rob was like a child at Christmas; his face would light up, his eyes shining with excitement. He saw life as a canvas of endless possibilities, and this contagious enthusiasm fuelled his creativity.
Beyond being partners in life and in raising a family, Rob and I embarked on research adventures together. One fateful evening in a coffee shop, our Career Integrated Learning (CIL) project took shape, its beginnings sketched out on a humble napkin. Little did we know then that this idea would blossom into a catalyst for promoting awareness of career-integrated learning far beyond our borders.
As we cherish Rob’s memory, let us celebrate his legacy – a legacy that continues to shape a brighter future for generations to come. May his passion, creativity and commitment inspire us all to reach for new heights and make the world a better place.
– Rhonda Joy (Memorial University)
“Buddy, we got a blank canvas.” This is the last text Rob Shea sent me. We had been friends nearly 40 years; had worked together at Memorial University, and we had spent the previous evening laughing and scheming, like many evenings before. And now, in the daylight, we confirmed that we had come up with a great idea.
If you worked with Rob, you know ideas came to him as naturally as breathing. On that January morning, we were celebrating a new inspiration. We had plans about what we would paint in the autumn, after Rob had managed a few other ideas. But plans change. We go into an autumn without Rob and the canvas feels not just blank, but barren. Still, it is left to us to paint upon it. As for me, I will miss a marvelous friend. But I have an idea…
– Paul D. Smith (Loyalist College)
Rob Shea had unbounded enthusiasm and a big personality. But I will always remember the quiet phone calls we had with each other, where we talked about hard things.
He modelled careers work as identity work. As Rob went about changing entire systems, he never forgot that what really matters is the impact our efforts have on the everyday lives of individuals, each unique and valuable.
I hope that I bring honour to Rob’s profound ability to keep things simple and focus on developing meaningful connections with people.
I miss my friend. On our last call, Rob shared how overcome he was at being selected to be part of the honour guard at the repatriation of Newfoundland’s unknown soldier in recognition of his support for our military. The ceremony occurred shortly after Rob’s death. May the memory of them both be a blessing to us all.
– Lisa Taylor (Challenge Factory)
Video: Rob Shea speaks about CERIC’s Etta St. John Wileman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Career Development in 2023.
It is difficult to truly capture the profound impact that Rob had on my life since the late 1990s – over the years he was a mentor, supporter, colleague and dear friend. His unwavering support and encouragement kept me steady in the hardest of life’s moments and we celebrated together all our blessings and successes! His impact on our fields of higher education, student services, career services was immense and far reaching. It must be acknowledged for that to happen, his family often had to sacrifice time with him – as he tended to his various leadership, research and other commitments. I know how much his wife and children were his heart – and for their profound loss, I’m truly sorry. I thank them for sharing Rob with the rest of us – I know I am a better human for having Rob in my circle of friends and I will always be thankful.
– Michelle Pidgeon (Simon Fraser University)
“Hello my friend!” Three words that Rob started every conversation with. I would then say something funny and we would both laugh, and then we’d just chat endlessly. I have never seen the man without a smile on his face and when you were around him you couldn’t help but smile along with him. A list of accolades a mile long, stalwart champion for the military community and someone I truly considered a friend and mentor. You are missed my friend, truly missed. “So long my friend.”
– Dwayne L. Cormier (Canadian Armed Forces)
How does one put into words the incredible impact a person has on a field, or on the numerous lives they touched. The loss of Dr. Robert Shea has been devastating to his family, and those fortunate to call him a friend and/or colleague. The field of career development lost one of its brightest lights and greatest champions. Rob was a dreamer with big audacious goals who truly believed career development was a cornerstone to individual, community and overall societal success. He lit up every room he walked into, and his infectious enthusiasm made everyone feel they were part of something incredibly special. I met Rob as a graduate student in 1998, interested in pursuing career development as my future career. He agreed to be a co-supervisor and became a treasured lifelong friend and mentor. Thank you for everything, Rob. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A.A. Milne
– Jennifer Browne (Memorial University)
Thirty years of knowing Rob brings memories of his hugs, laughter, charismatic personality and brilliance. Rob was one of our foremost leaders in the field of career development nationally. As a professional with a deep understanding of the career development needs of people, he was able to apply theoretical foundations in innovative practice applications. Being a gifted speaker, he contributed to the professional development of his audiences and uplifted them through his messages. He strengthened our professional community, advanced our research and inspired us.
At Laurier, I adapted research Rob undertook with colleagues at Memorial on Career Integrated Learning as one of the most unique and effective approaches we have employed in the classroom. This research changed the face of career service delivery on campus by strengthening student learning and self-awareness through career centre/faculty collaborations.
Rob’s leadership has had enormous impact on the advancement of knowledge, practice and learning within our profession. He will be missed as a friend and colleague.
– Jan Basso (Wilfrid Laurier University)
I met Rob Shea at a CACEE conference in 1993. I was President of CACEE that year and after an evening event, I got on the bus to get back to the hotel and noticed this nice-looking young man with a wonderful smile sitting by himself. I asked if I could join him. After talking for a few minutes, I asked him if he would be interested in being CACEE’s first Chair of the Atlantic Region. And thus began an incredible, 30-year friendship.
I also had the privilege of being on the Founding Board of CERIC, which Rob chaired. Rob’s commitment to career development was unwavering whether through writing articles, presenting at conferences and, most importantly, launching the Canadian Journal of Career Development.
Rob was simply brilliant. He will be missed by so many!
– Marilyn Van Norman (retired; formerly University of Toronto, CERIC)
When I think of Rob Shea, two words come to mind: community and service. I believe Rob, in all of his professional wanderings, was a true believer in community building. He was a gatherer of ideas, thoughts, positions and possibilities at the local, national and international levels. His deep service orientation ensured his efforts would support community needs for the betterment of the many, whether it was locally in St. John’s, NL or on the many boards and committees Rob sat on that supported communities nationally and internationally.
There is also a third word: rewards. Rob and I often joked over the years about the rewards of volunteering on the board of organizations I led that he was a part of. We met in the late 1990s to talk about the idea of a peer-reviewed open access academic journal. A few years later, the Canadian Journal of Career Development was a reality and Rob was on the board of ContactPoint, an online hub for CDPs. He eventually took on the role of Board Chair. When CERIC was launched, once again, Rob joined that board and took on the role of Board Chair, helping to shape the organization to be a sector leader. He also joined the board of The Counselling Foundation of Canada, leveraging philanthropic activity to serve many communities.
In these roles, I found a friend and supportive colleague who was open-minded, optimistic, enthusiastic and passionate about change and improving the lives of the many. Indeed, I think it was myself and the organizations he was a part of that were the beneficiaries of the rewards – of his time, his knowledge, his commitment, his willingness to listen, his positivity and his support and encouragement. He will be so missed!
– Riz Ibrahim (The Counselling Foundation of Canada)
Video: Rob Shea celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Canadian Journal of Career Development in 2022.
I met Rob early in my career development journey, some 20 years ago. His impact was immediate and enduring. A constant in every interaction, his enthusiasm for people, the field, and life was boundless. Rob was a connector, always eager to make a difference, big or small. He introduced me to the broader career field through community, Memorial University and CERIC. As I sought a speaker to rekindle our team’s post-pandemic spirit, Rob immediately came to mind. His ability to inspire hope, his expertise and consistency was legendary. His generous interpersonal nature, humour and unwavering support to people, and his community are one part of his enduring legacy and leadership that has shaped me as a person, and practitioner. I know this to be an impact of his life well lived, and the influence that he has had on countless others fortunate enough to have known him
– Rob McLennan (Stella’s Circle)
I had the opportunity to work with Rob when I was just starting out as a recent graduate in 2008. From the outset, I was drawn to his enthusiasm, personality and passion for his chosen field. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work directly with Rob for 16 years, initially as his research assistant and later as the associate editor of the Canadian Journal of Career Development. He also became a mentor, offering guidance and support during challenging times. Rob had a vibrant personality and a knack for conceiving innovative ideas and connecting them with the right people to bring them to fruition. As I continue to navigate life’s journey, I am grateful to have these words from Rob to remember, spoken to me when I felt inferior interacting with individuals holding PhDs or high-ranking positions. “They are still only human … but with fancy titles.”
– Diana Boyd (Canadian Journal of Career Development)
While Rob’s professional achievements are a part of his legacy, it’s his kindness, warmth and ability to inspire that I’ll remember most.
He had an incredible gift for meeting people where they’re at and bringing them together, sparking meaningful connections and, as a leader, prioritizing people with genuine care. Each interaction left you feeling valued and a little better for it.
CACEE was Rob’s first professional home where he was a member, key contributor, driving force behind the Rob Shea Research Award, and steadfast champion for 30+ years.
It’s fitting that we first officially met on the dance floor at a CACEE conference. And, that his work with Rhonda in Career-Integrated Learning remains a bedrock in my professional philosophy. He taught me that the most inspiring of leaders also know how to have a little fun too!
Rob’s legacy continues to guide and inspire us all …
– Trevor Buttrum (Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers [CACEE])
In honour of Rob’s fondness for whimsical fictional characters, I liken him to the Willy Wonka of career development. He created impactful programs out of “pure imagination,” inspiring many to join him on his journey.
Rob was dedicated to making career development accessible and paving the way for future generations. When I presented my graduate research at my first Cannexus, Rob made a point to visit my poster and offer his support, following up at subsequent conferences to check on my progress. He was genuinely committed to nurturing new talent, exemplified by the CACEE Rob Shea Research Award and featuring graduate student submissions in the Canadian Journal of Career Development.
Rob’s legacy as a leader, storyteller and mentor continues to inspire countless individuals in the field. His passion and enthusiasm were infectious, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. His influence endures in the many lives he touched.
– Candy Ho (Kwantlen Polytechnic University)
I first met Rob in the 1990s, and he became a dear friend. He was fun to be around with a quick wit, twinkle in his eye and infectious laugh. People naturally gravitated toward him. He had tremendous passion, vision and enthusiasm.
Rob was usually the first to put up his hand to volunteer – and he seemed to volunteer for EVERYTHING. He served on many committees, boards, advisory bodies – whether locally, nationally or internationally; I don’t know where he found the energy or time to do it all on top of his own work and his family life. He was incredibly generous with his time.
Rob was an advocate for career development wherever he went – and he was on the road a lot. He was a proud son of Newfoundland; he had lots of opportunities for his own career advancement elsewhere but he remained true to his home.
– Bruce Lawson (The Counselling Foundation of Canada)
Rob was one of the first people I met, at my first Cannexus conference soon after moving to Canada from England. As a mature student, embarking on graduate study in a new country, I was struggling with the loss of my previous professional identity. Rob was so understanding, and very kind and supportive in his advice and guidance. Through those early conversations with Rob, I was able to re-imagine my prior experiences in this new context, as he saw value and importance in my skills and expertise. It is hard to put into words the subsequent impact that he had on my settling in Canada, and my feeling of finding a new professional home.
– Lorraine Godden (Carleton University)
In 2012, I met Rob Shea for the first time in Washington, D.C., USA. I was born in 1963, as was he.
Working together on IASAS, a new project on Student Affairs and Services, we became friends.
From him, I learned most of what I know about SAS: he was so patient with his European friend who wasn’t used to the field. From him, I learned the passion for helping youth: younger generations, Gen Z, need a lot of help, and he helped me navigate those turbulent waters.
Whenever he faced a difficult challenge, he always had a positive attitude; his smile made it so much easier. I don’t recall him making any negative comments. Furthermore, I remember his genuine Catholic faith, which he did not flaunt, nor did he hide.
A strong willingness to serve others is his legacy for me: I’ll never forget him.
– Gian Luca Giovannucci, EucA (European university college Association)
When the Canadian student affairs community heard of the sudden passing of our dear friend Rob Shea, I was contacted by dozens of colleagues across the country who shared a memory and reflection on how Rob had impacted their careers. Rob was a committed and very involved member of CACUSS for dozens of years. He helped support our annual conference at Memorial in 1994 and 2008. He served as President of SASA (one of our former divisions), and that is when I first became friends with Rob, as I served on the SASA Board in 2000. Rob served as CACUSS president from 2006-2008 and was given the CACUSS Award of Honour in 2012, our highest distinction at CACUSS. Rob also represented Canada at IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services), and I was able to participate with him at the Global Summit in Washington, DC, Rome, Stellenbosch and Santiago. Rob was a teacher and passionate leader in student affairs. He had a wonderful sense of humour and spirit. He cared deeply about his kids, his home province of Newfoundland and about the post-secondary student experience.
– Jennifer Hamilton (Canadian Association of College & University Student Services [CACUSS])
