Iconic Teacher Retires After 39 Years with Algonquin College

Posted on Friday, October 10th, 2014

After almost four decades of teaching at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus, Vivian Schutt is calling it a day. The beloved and well respected long-time coordinator of the Office Administration-Executive program was recently celebrated by her colleagues for her many contributions to the college community, including her teaching of more than 1,000 students.

Schutt got her start at the college after performing well as a student in a Business and Commerce 9-month program. She was asked to teach part-time in the program, and a few years later secured an opportunity to teach full-time at the college.

Over the years, technological advancements forced her to change the curriculum she was teaching often. From manual typewriters to the introduction of the internet and the widespread use of personal computers and mobile devices, Schutt was constantly testing new software programs and computer applications, and passing on her knowledge to the students she was teaching.

Through all of these changes, she relied on a simple motto, spurred by her Mother’s British heritage, to “stay calm and carry on.”

In recognition of her incredible contribution to the college, a new award has been named after her. The Vivian Schutt Office Administration-Executive Award will be handed out annually to a high performing student in the program.

Last June, the entire Pembroke Campus community of faculty, staff and administrators nominated Schutt for a college Lifetime Achievement Award, a ringing endorsement of how much she is liked by her colleagues and also an indication of how much her presence will be missed at Algonquin.

If you were taught by Vivian and would like to pass on good wishes on her retirement, please post your comments. We know Vivian will appreciate it.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus

• Posted in