Join us for a special author talk with University of Rochester alumnus Bob Rich ’69S (MBA), as he discusses Looking Through Water, a powerful story of family, memory, and the moments that shape who we become. The book was adapted into the feature film Looking Through Water, released in September 2025, starring Michael Douglas.

The Discussion will be moderated by Ronald Rogge, PhD, professor of psychology at URochester.

Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book, and lunch will be provided. Rich will be available to sign copies of his book after the discussion.

Schedule

12 p.m. – Author Talk and Lunch 
1-1:30 p.m. – Book signing and reception

Admission to this event is free; we only ask that you register in advance.

Parking will be available in the Library Lot across from Rush Rhees Library, where most guests will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the lot reaches capacity, overflow parking will be available along Intercampus Drive.

Can't join in person? We'll livestream the event.

This event is co-hosted by the Neilly Author Series.

Meet the author:

Bob Rich

Acclaimed author of several well-regarded books on fishing and outdoor life, Bob Rich has long captivated readers with his wit and wisdom from the water. He fell in love with storytelling around campfires at summer camps in northern Ontario and was inspired early on by literary greats like Herman Melville and Ernest Hemingway.

Rich currently serves as Senior Chairman of Rich Products, the family-owned global food company founded by his father.

A graduate of  Simon Business School, Rich received the Charles Force Hutchison and Marjorie Smith Hutchison Medal, the University’s highest recognition of personal achievement, for his contributions for more than 45 years after graduation.

Visit his website for more information.

Meet the Moderator:

Ronald Rogge
Professor of Psychology

Starting as an undergraduate, Professor Rogge conducted 7 years of biology research in Drosophila genetics at UCLA leading to his first peer-reviewed publications. This also enabled him to serve as a biology consultant for the original Jurassic Park movie (including a cameo in the film as the scientist drilling into the amber to extract the dinosaur DNA). Professor Rogge ultimately switched fields and earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UCLA. He then served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, deploying to Kuwait and Iraq in both 2003 and 2004 as part of a Naval Surgical company supporting the Marines.

Since joining the faculty at the University of Rochester in 2004, Professor Rogge has developed a robust program of online survey research, resulting in over 100 published research articles and book chapters. His work focuses on understanding the dynamics of close relationships and developing methods of strengthening those relationships, garnering national attention for its notably innovative approaches. Most recently, a relationship wellness smartphone app (the Agapé app) that Professor helped develop has been successful in reaching over 3 million users, effectively disseminating his research into the daily lives of millions of couples. His work has also expanded to examine how key mindfulness and psychological flexibility processes shape individual well-being and relationship dynamics over time.