In memory of Joseph Garcea
The Department of Political Studies faculty member was an inspirational teacher and one of Saskatchewan's most influential political scientists
Dr. Peta Bonham-Smith (PhD), dean of the College of Arts and Science, sent the following message to members of the college community on Nov. 13.
It is with great sadness that I write to let you know that our colleague and friend, Professor Joseph (Joe) Garcea, passed away on Nov. 12, 2020, following his battle with cancer.
Joe completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Victoria (1979) followed by his Master of Arts (1982) and Master of Public Administration (1983) at the University of Manitoba and his PhD in political studies from Carleton University (1994). His career at the University of Saskatchewan College of Arts and Science began in 1987 and he was promoted to full professor in 2017.
Dr. Garcea received numerous awards and honours for his distinguished work, including the College Award for Teaching Excellence in Social Sciences, the Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching, the Jim Pooler Award, the University of Saskatchewan Award for Distinction in Outreach and Public Service, and the Master Teacher Award. During his tenure, Joe developed 16 new courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in international studies and political studies which were integral components of program development in the Department of Political Studies and to the college’s curriculum renewal. Prof. Garcea contributed to the development, review and revision of the Master of Public Administration Program, the Aboriginal Public Administration Program and its stream within the Northern Studies Program, the Global Studies Certificate, the Regional and Urban Planning Program, and the Saskatchewan Legislative Internship Program.
Many dozens of graduate students benefitted from having Dr. Garcea as a graduate supervisor. He published prolifically: authoring, editing and writing chapters in books, papers in refereed journals, conference presentations, reports and book reviews. Dr. Garcea was awarded research funds over three decades and was an expert reviewer of manuscripts for academic journals, research institutes and funding agencies, including SSHRC. He had recently received federal government funding to do GIS mapping of newcomers to Canada. Joe served as department head for both political studies and linguistics, was on the board of the Community-University Institute for Social Research, and was part of the constitution committee of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association. Prof. Garcea served on the College of Arts and Science Planning Advisory Committee and was a key advisor on creating and implementing the strategic plan.
In addition to his accomplishments in teaching and research, Joe shone in his administrative service at the department, college and university levels. His community service was formidable, and he served on dozens of local and national boards and committees in all manner of roles. Prof. Garcea had a passion for media relations and since 1987 had given more than 700 TV, newspaper and radio media interviews about current affairs including elections, government, public policy and management. He was on the executive committee for Immigration Research West. Joe volunteered for committees on refugees, multiculturalism and Indigenous-newcomer relations. He served Saskatoon youth in several different volunteer positions, coordinating and coaching soccer and serving on the board of Saskatoon Youth Soccer Incorporated.
Joe will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues across the college and university.
Peta Bonham-Smith
Dean and Professor
College of Arts and Science
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