Alan Stockman, the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Economics at the University of Rochester, died January 14 after a long battle with cancer. He was 58.
A talented teacher, inspiring mentor, and respected scholar, Professor Stockman made major contributions to the fields of international finance and macroeconomics, publishing seminal papers on exchange rates and international business cycles. He is remembered by colleagues as a man whose infectious enthusiasm for economics was characteristic of his general approach to life.
"He had a passion for ideas and a childlike pleasure in all things," said Steven Landsburg, professor of economics at the University, who was a close friend of Professor Stockman since their days as doctoral candidates at the University of Chicago. "He had a sparkling, bubbling enthusiasm" that came through whether he was discussing economic theory, playing a guitar, or participating in one of the department's musical skits, Landsburg recalled.
"He was willing to talk to colleagues anytime and anyplace, whether it be about economics or anything else. He had a wonderful clarity of thought and an ability to analyze problems," adds Michael Wolkoff, deputy chair of the Department of Economics. "He was a very warm, generous person. He truly had many friends in the department and the profession."
I used Stockman's intro textbook most of the way through my grad school years as both TA and instructor and for a year or two when I first started teaching full time. I still have a copy and refer to it occasionally for an example or exercise. I corresponded with him on one occasion about the book and received a gracious reply. Over the years, I heard only wonderful things about him. He will be missed.
