Former teacher awarded Professor Emerita designation

June 16, 2014

Georgian College is honouring a well-loved, recently retired faculty member with the prestigious designation of Professor Emerita at convocation ceremonies at the Barrie Campus on Wednesday, June 18.

Ruthanne Krant is being honoured with this award for “exemplifying all of the best that Georgian College has to offer.” A Georgian teacher and administrator for almost 30 years, Krant is well known for helping to build the college’s successful Human Resource diploma and graduate certificate programs.

“Her legacy to the college is the development, achievement and successful implementation of professional human resource management programs that are recognized around the world,” wrote the group of colleagues who nominated her for the award. “She believes in bringing out the best in everyone by modelling what being the best means.”

The honourary Emerita designation is granted by the Georgian College Board of Governors to retired faculty members who have demonstrated exemplary service to the college and its communities. Krant retired from Georgian in spring 2013.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Krant is renowned for her personal touch with colleagues and students. In her nomination, she was cited as being a tireless advocate of Georgian and always working with the goal of making the Georgian student experience an exceptional one.

“It has been a privilege to teach so many students and work with such a dedicated group of faculty, administrative and support staff leaders,” says Krant. “The most thrilling part about receiving this award is that it is peer-nominated – it’s an honour be recognized by colleagues.”

Her passion for teaching and learning extends to her own family as well. At the same convocation ceremony at which she is receiving the Emerita designation, Krant’s husband is graduating with a diploma in Digital Photography and Imaging, a late life career interest.

“My husband James, our daughter Lindsay and her future husband Dakotah are all graduates of Georgian College,” she explains. “James has held roles in engineering, small business and accounting, but completing the Digital Imaging and Photography program is a dream he’s had for some time.”

Krant is looking forward to celebrating her family’s accomplishments at convocation, where she will accept her framed credential from Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes and Board Chair Bill Van Wyck before addressing a record-sized graduating class.