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Ernie Kroeger, Professor Emeritus

Mr. Ernie Kroeger retired in 2019 after 25 years in the Faculty of Arts at TRU. An interdisciplinary artist focusing on photography and writing, Kroeger taught photography as well as special topics courses exploring the relationship between art and walking. He also co-founded the Walking Lab, an interdisciplinary research group at TRU. His artwork has been exhibited across Canada and in Europe and is included in public collections such as the National Gallery of Canada and Museo Nazionale della Montagna in Italy. His key exhibitions include The Great Divide (2001) and My Morning Walk (2009). He has received numerous awards and grants, most notably The Banff Centre's Barbara Spohr Award for Photography. Kroeger has a rich academic history, having taught at the University of Manitoba, University of Calgary, Alberta College of Art & Design and the Banff Centre, as well as having lectured across Canada and in England, Portugal and Mexico. He has continued to grow his artistic practice throughout his 40-year career in the arts. TRU will benefit from Ernie Kroeger’s expertise as Professor Emeritus.

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Katherine Sutherland, Professor Emerita

Dr. Katherine Sutherland retired in 2018 after a 25-year career at TRU. Sutherland’s personal and professional evolution as an academic grew with the university. She began as a student of the Cariboo College and, after receiving her BA and MA from the University of Victoria and her PhD from York University, she returned to the University College of the Cariboo for her first job. Sutherland’s fervour for English and passion for teaching courses through the Department of English and Modern Languages led her to become a favourite among students. She further enhanced the university’s learning environment and advocated for students by accepting positions such as department chair, Dean of Arts, Vice-Chair of the University Council, Interim Associate Vice President Academic and Interim Vice-Provost for Open Learning. She was Chair of the Academic Planning Committee, responsible for TRU’s Academic plan and led the team that initiated the drive for Accreditation. She was influential in developing new curriculum, conducted research in Postcolonial literature and served on numerous committees, including the BC Council on Articulation and Transfer. Sutherland was also honoured by TRU with the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award. TRU will continue to benefit from Katherine Sutherland’s expertise as Professor Emerita.

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Mairi MacKay, Professor Emerita

Dr. Mairi MacKay retired in 2019 after a 28-year career at TRU, and continues as a TRU Open Learning Faculty Member. As a founding member of the Biological Services department, her service record includes chairing the Biological Services Department (two terms); Undergraduate Research Conference (inaugural); Animal Care Committee; Faculty of Science Faculty Council; and more. Colleagues endorse MacKay as a strong leader and a "voice of reason," committed to fair, inclusive and transparent leadership. MacKay’s career began with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Zoology from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in Biochemistry from Dalhousie University. MacKay has since developed and taught more than 20 courses and held 21 research grants. Expertise with burrowing owl genetic markers proved valuable in early student supervision and training: she’s supervised 22 directed studies and nine honours students. Since retirement, she’s volunteered as a moderator of sessions for the Undergraduate Research Conference, and was the principal organizer of Guides Exploring Science and Technology (GUEST 2019) at TRU for the Girl Guides of Canada, and will continue to support girls and women in their scientific pursuits. MacKay is an undeniable asset to TRU and is well deserving of the distinction of Professor Emerita.