Remembering those we recently lost
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Key moments and achievements from Michael Rockland's life.
Michael was born
· Morristown, New Jersey, United States
Graduated
Michael Aaron Rockland completed his undergraduate studies at Hunter College in New York City. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the United States Navy, where he served as a medical corpsman. His time working in a locked psychiatric ward in Yokosuka, Japan, profoundly impacted him and later inspired his memoir, Navy Crazy.
Graduated
Michael Aaron Rockland completed his undergraduate studies at Hunter College in New York City. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the United States Navy, where he served as a medical corpsman. His time working in a locked psychiatric ward in Yokosuka, Japan, profoundly impacted him and later inspired his memoir, Navy Crazy.
Honorable Discharge
After two years of dedicated military service, Michael Rockland was honorably discharged from the United States Navy. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Minnesota to pursue advanced degrees in American Studies. This marked the beginning of his lifelong academic focus on American culture and history.
Honorable Discharge
After two years of dedicated military service, Michael Rockland was honorably discharged from the United States Navy. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Minnesota to pursue advanced degrees in American Studies. This marked the beginning of his lifelong academic focus on American culture and history.
Diplomatic Service
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, Michael Rockland entered the United States diplomatic service. Over the next seven years, he served as a cultural attaché in both Argentina and Spain. During his tenure in Madrid, he notably acted as a tour guide for Martin Luther King Jr. and navigated the tense aftermath of the 1966 Palomares B-52 crash.
Diplomatic Service
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, Michael Rockland entered the United States diplomatic service. Over the next seven years, he served as a cultural attaché in both Argentina and Spain. During his tenure in Madrid, he notably acted as a tour guide for Martin Luther King Jr. and navigated the tense aftermath of the 1966 Palomares B-52 crash.
Earned Doctorate
Michael Rockland earned his Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota. That same year, he left the diplomatic service due to his opposition to the Vietnam War and accepted a position in New Jersey higher education. He was soon hired by Rutgers University as a dean tasked with mediating between student protesters and the state legislature.
Earned Doctorate
Michael Rockland earned his Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota. That same year, he left the diplomatic service due to his opposition to the Vietnam War and accepted a position in New Jersey higher education. He was soon hired by Rutgers University as a dean tasked with mediating between student protesters and the state legislature.
Published Book
After facing twenty-seven rejections, Michael Rockland published his first novel, A Bliss Case, through Coffee House Press. The satirical work, which explored an English professor's transformation into a New Age guru, was highly praised by critics. It was selected by The New York Times as one of its 'Fifty Notable Books of the Year'.
Published Book
After facing twenty-seven rejections, Michael Rockland published his first novel, A Bliss Case, through Coffee House Press. The satirical work, which explored an English professor's transformation into a New Age guru, was highly praised by critics. It was selected by The New York Times as one of its 'Fifty Notable Books of the Year'.
Award Received
In recognition of his extensive contributions to the state's cultural landscape, Michael Rockland was awarded the Governor Richard J. Hughes Award. The honor celebrated his long career of writing and teaching about New Jersey. Throughout his life, he remained an unabashed cheerleader for the state, pioneering the study of 'Jerseyana' at Rutgers University.
Award Received
In recognition of his extensive contributions to the state's cultural landscape, Michael Rockland was awarded the Governor Richard J. Hughes Award. The honor celebrated his long career of writing and teaching about New Jersey. Throughout his life, he remained an unabashed cheerleader for the state, pioneering the study of 'Jerseyana' at Rutgers University.
Michael Rockland passed away
