In Memoriam: Dean Emeritus Roger Dennis
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dean Emeritus Roger Dennis, a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend. He left behind a legacy of exceptional legal scholarship, tireless dedication to education, and a profound impact on all who had the privilege to work with him. Roger served as dean of the Rutgers-Camden School of Law from 1991 – 1997 and subsequently as the Rutgers-Camden provost.
Roger’s academic journey began at Northwestern University, where he earned his B.S. with honors in 1971 and his J.D. magna cum laude in 1974. At Northwestern, he distinguished himself as senior editor of the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, an Urban Law Fellow, a member of the Order of the Coif, and a first-place winner of the prestigious Northwestern University Moot Court Competition. His passion for law and justice led him to an extraordinary career, marked by both academic and professional distinction.
His legal career included serving as a trial attorney in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he also served as a special assistant to the assistant attorney general. Roger was also deputy staff director of the National Commission for the Review of Antitrust Laws and Procedures, and an associate at the firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Washington, D.C. His work played a critical role in shaping the future of antitrust policy, and his scholarship, which applied modern financial theory to corporate law, has been cited by many courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
After leaving Rutgers, Roger was the founding dean of the Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law. He served a six-year term on the American Bar Association Section on Legal Education Accreditation Review Committee. His commitment to the legal profession was reflected in his involvement with the American Law Institute, the ABA, and his service on boards such as the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Roger’s contributions to the law, education, and society were immeasurable, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the many students whose lives he touched.