The Georgian College community was deeply saddened by the loss of one its members. Ruth Yole, a faculty member in the School of Environmental Studies, passed away earlier this month after a valiant battle against cancer.

Ruth began her full-time teaching career at Georgian in 2006 and quickly became a valued faculty member in the Environmental Techniques and Technology programs. In addition to being honoured with the Engineering Technology Employee of the Year Award, she was also presented with a Teaching Excellence Award at the College’s Teaching and Learning Conference in 2008.

Ruth was recognized for her ability to develop quality courses that kept students interested, motivated and actively involved in their learning. She continually encouraged students to strive for individual excellence and involved them in many external opportunities related to their anticipated field of employment.

One of Ruth’s students said it best: “Returning to studies as a mature student presented me with challenges that sometimes can seem overwhelming. Ruth helped to ease some of these anxieties, making my college experience a pleasure. It has been a privilege to have had Ruth as an instructor; she is someone I think highly of, not only as a teacher but also as a kind, giving individual.”

Ruth’s teaching practice expanded well beyond the classroom. She was instrumental in the development of a partnership between Georgian and the Rotary Club of Barrie which saw Environmental students conduct an environmental management system audit at local companies. The project gave students a chance to apply their learning in a real-world work environment, helped businesses reduce their environmental footprint and increased awareness of Georgian’s Engineering Technology programs.

Ruth also encouraged other professionals in the environmental field to apply for part-time faculty positions within the department and mentored them in their transition from industry to academia.As a result, student exposure to industry experts both in and outside the classroom increased. She also sat on curriculum development committees, developed new programs and leveraged the expertise of local environmental experts to improve existing programs at Georgian.

Before coming to Georgian, Ruth was well-known as an environmental leader and a visionary who worked for the City of Barrie as supervisor of waste management during a critical development period. She was largely responsible for redeveloping Barrie’s waste infrastructure into something that continues to provide residents with viable, cost-effective waste management solutions. Her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to spreading the message of environmental stewardship covered all aspects of her life. She appeared on local television programs promoting waste diversion and environmental responsibility.

Ruth also sought out educators from the public and separate school boards and developed programming relevant to the educational curriculum on waste diversion.

RUTH YOLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Donations can be made in Ruth’s memory through the newly established Ruth Yole Memorial Scholarship for students whose lives have been touched by cancer. Close to $8,000 was raised for the scholarship at an informal memorial in her honour at the Barrie Campus March 13.

For more information on the scholarship, or to donate, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at ext. 1210.

Online donations are being accepted at www.georgianc.on.ca/giving. Select the “give now” icon on the right side of the screen. This will take you to the Canada Helps website. Select “donate now.” Enter your donation amount and select the “Ruth Yole Memorial Scholarship” from the fund/designation list. Note that if you choose to make a monthly donation, you must type Ruth Yole Memorial Scholarship in the message/instruction box so your donation will be directed accordingly.

The family would also appreciate blood donations to local blood donor clinics.

Our deepest sympathies go out to David (Centre for Access), Dylan and the rest of the Yole family.