Notice Board

The University of Lethbridge is saddened to learn of the passing of retired mathematics professor Dr. Dennis Connolly (LLD '17). Connolly passed away Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at the age of 81.

Connolly was one of the longest serving employees of ULethbridge, signing on with the Department of Mathematics in 1967 and only retiring in 2021, marking just over 54 years of teaching, mentoring, volunteering, supporting, cheering and generally embodying the spirit of the University.

“Dr. Dennis Connolly’s unmatched commitment to the University of Lethbridge and its students over the past 58 years is an inspiration to us all,” says Dr. Matt Letts, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “From the time of his appointment, thanks to an April 1967 snowstorm that disrupted his North American road trip, Dennis valued the importance of getting to know each and every one of his students, mentoring them in their academic, artistic and athletic pursuits. Dr. Connolly’s meaningful impact on well over 10,000 students will never be forgotten.”

Over the course of Connolly’s accomplished career, he taught more than 36 different courses (a total of 225 classes) in the math department to both undergraduates and graduates — teaching more than 10,000 students in total. His accolades were many, including recognition as the Students’ Union Excellence in Teaching Award winner in 2019, the 2009 Senate Volunteer Award, an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2017, and the honoree of the 2019 Wine & Dine: Arts & Science Scholarship Dinner. In 2017, as part of Homecoming Weekend and the University’s 50-year celebrations, Connolly was gifted the Blackfoot name Itiiomaahkaa, which fittingly means Long Journey.

This notice will be updated when plans for a memorial service for Connolly are finalized. The University of Lethbridge will lower its flag on the day of his memorial.

For more on Dr. Connolly's life, see this UNews story.