Dr. Gary Gorman
In 2006, an upstart team of business students from Memorial University made a breakthrough.
Memorial teams had been taking part in the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) case competitions since the early 1990s with limited success. But the 2006 team had an advantage. They had the mentorship of Dr. Gary Gorman.
Dr. Gorman believed in the value of case competitions because they gave students the opportunity to work together to solve real-world problems while the pressure of intense competition could lead to remarkable innovations.
Because the SIFE competitions focused on social enterprise, they also offered students a chance to experience how business can lead to positive change.
The 2006 team won Memorial’s first Canadian championship. They went on to reach the SIFE world championship semi-finals in Paris.
In 2007, SIFE Memorial finished in second place at the world championships in New York City. A pattern of progress was established.
SIFE is now known as Enactus. And though Dr. Gorman wasn’t part of the team that went on to win the world championship in 2008, he helped lay the groundwork for a program that would see Memorial become Canada’s greatest Enactus team.
To date, Memorial is the only Canadian team to twice win the Enactus World Cup. Memorial has also won the national title 10 times, more than any other team in the country.
Dr. Gorman grew up in St. John’s. He earned his BBA at St. Francis Xavier University, his MBA at the University of Western Ontario and his PhD from the University of Stirling in Scotland.
He joined the Faculty of Business Administration at Memorial in 1977 as the co-ordinator of the co-operative education program. He went on to hold several teaching and administration positions, including serving as associate dean of graduate programs from 1993 to 1994 and of undergraduate programs from 1994 to 1997. He accepted the position of dean in 2002.
As dean, he led the faculty through a period of substantial growth. Memorial’s programs thrived. Research output by faculty members doubled. A PhD in management was developed. And the position of associate dean of research was created.
He developed programs and resources for international business studies and fostered relationships with universities around the world. More and more international students began enrolling in Memorial’s progressive and internationally accredited business programs.
"Dr. Gorman has achieved the trifecta of excellence as a co-ordinator, professor and administrator in the Faculty of Business Administration, namely as a gifted teacher, renown researcher, and outstanding administrator. Throughout all his roles, he was seen as an inspiring individual who led by example, encouraging others to become involved in and excel in so many activities. Under his nurturing guidance the faculty achieved and has maintained international acclaim and respect. Throughout all his achievements, Dr. Gorman has remained a modest person who constantly insists that others receive recognition for their contributions and achievements."
- Dr. Alex Faseruk
Beyond his administrative roles, he was an active researcher in the fields of entrepreneurship and small business. His work led to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador.
A beloved mentor and trusted colleague, he helped grow a cultural movement within the faculty that views business as far more than profit and performance. At Memorial, business is a force that benefits the broader community, where social enterprise and innovation can rise to meet some of the most pressing challenges in our province and around the world.
In his spare time, he dedicated his own expertise to community organizations like the Virginia Park Community Centre and the Canadian Scholarship Trust Fund.
After 36 years of commitment to Memorial University, Dr. Gorman retired in 2013.
In 2014, he became only the fourth person in Memorial’s history to be granted the title of dean emeritus.
His dedication to students continues even now. In 2014, he established the Gorman Family Bursary for undergraduates in the Bachelor of Commerce Co-operative program.
Reflecting on Dr. Gorman’s commitment to community service, preference for the bursary is given to students undertaking co-op placements in not-for-profit, charity or entrepreneurial pursuits.
Business students interested in strategic management can also take part in a course-based case competition where they vie to win the Gary Gorman Cup. The award was named to recognize his accomplishments as dean and stands as a symbol of his career-long commitment to students, teamwork, creativity and determination.
Dr. Gorman’s warm presence still looms large within the business faculty. His vision and generous spirit are spoken of with a combination of love and respect. He’s thought of as a friend, a colleague and a mentor with a great mind and a big heart.