Rockman draws new spot at N.Y. fashion institute

To most University students, the name Adam Rockman is a familiar one. He's the man they love to hate — the evil mastermind responsible for sticking you in that 100-square-foot double last year and the reason your email account is always over-quota. But as of Feb.13, Rockman's room draw duties came to a close as he resigned from his position of almost seven years as the University's coordinator of undergraduate housing to become the assistant director of residential life at New York City's Fashion Institute of Technology.

Though Rockman sent one of his traditional "NEW Room Draw Information!" emails on Feb. 12, students who responded with room-related queries received notices that he was "no longer with Princeton University as of Friday, February 13, 2004." The next room draw email, the "Final Preliminary Draw Deadline Reminder!!" sent on Feb. 13 came not from Rockman, but from Lisa DePaul, assistant director of undergraduate housing.

So what was the reason for Rockman's sudden departure? "While I did not particularly want to leave, I realized that I needed to further myself as a higher education administrator . . . [and] the offer I received from FIT was too good to decline," Rockman explained in an email.

When asked whether the occurrence of his resignation and the due date of the preliminary draw applications on the same day was a coincidence, Rockman said that his departure was not related to the room draw schedule.

"I fully intended to complete my responsibilities to Princeton students and the Housing Department, but FIT's Residential Life Department was anxious to have me on board as soon as possible," he said. "I was offered the position in mid-January, and began working approximately six weeks later."

He also laid to rest any rumors that students had made attempts to bribe him for better draw times.

"There were a few instances of students clearly joking about what they could offer me to ensure they got a good draw time . . . no one ever said or did anything seriously with regard to this," Rockman said, laughing.

Rockman's departure was thus a logical career choice and not the result of exasperation with housing-crazed Princetonians.

"I have worked in this field for almost 14 years (nearly seven at Princeton), and I recognized some areas in which I wanted to gain more experience," Rockman said. "I thoroughly enjoyed my tenure in MacMillan, but I had to advance in my professional responsibilities or face stagnation."

Rockman said what he will miss most about his former position is his coworkers in the housing department.

"I was part of a wonderful team of colleagues who would always perform their duties with pride and excellence," he noted.

DePaul reiterated Rockman's sentiments. "Adam was a part of our housing team and he will be missed. We wish him the best in all of his future endeavors," she added.

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The student body remains fascinated with the departure of this former housing administrator. Certainly not every administrator can sentence you to the depths of Brown or open the door to a palatial bi-level quad on a whim.

Students speculated Tuesday about what these "future endeavors" might be.

"All I know is that he's probably off somewhere livin' it up in a bi-level quad with in-suite bathroom, kitchenette and some kick ass housing department furniture," sophomore Robert Kennelley said.

Jamie McBean '06 said he is convinced that, even from New York City, Rockman "is probably rigging the draw as we speak."

So one question remains: If Rockman were to "rig the draw," what room would he choose for himself?

"I love T12 Patton," he confessed. "It's a great six-person suite, which I would have as my own apartment, of course, in a recently renovated dorm. It's two levels and has some great views. Definitely a nice place to live!"