He is well-regarded for donating his time and financial assistance to numerous philanthropic causes including the arts, education and healthcare.
[4] He was also a founder and was a member of the board of directors of MaRS (Medical and Related Sciences) Discovery District.
[2] Rotman began co-leading the development of a major review and study of the state of brain research in Ontario and Canada in 2008.
As a result, he served as the chair of the board of directors with the institute, a virtual research centre helping Ontario to build on its global neuroscience achievements by turning health care discoveries into products and services to help people affected by brain diseases and disorders.
Another significant appointment for Rotman was Chairman of Grand Challenges Canada, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people in developing countries by integrating scientific, technological, business and social innovation both in Canada and in the developing world.
[4] Other boards and committees that Rotman has served on include: Gairdner Foundation International, Global Network of Science Academies and Royal Societies Development Advisory Committee, Ontario Genomics Institute, StemCell Network,[8] and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care.
[14] On October 10, 2012, Rotman was presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Ontario Lifetime Achievement Award from Ernst & Young.
[16][17] At a ceremony at Rideau Hall on November 18, 2015, the Governor General posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Cross to Rotman, and the decoration was presented to his widow, Sandra.
In recognition of a lifetime of success and philanthropy, Rotman and his wife were selected as torchbearers for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Run on YouTube in Toronto on December 17, 2009.