Susan Topping
Please join me in congratulating Susan Topping on her retirement. During her 22 years at Humber Susan was first a faculty and over the last four years’ program coordinator in the School of Applied Technology’s Interior Decorating diploma program. During her tenure Susan has been a key proponent for student success through the development of industry relevant programming and academic pathways, and through curriculum-based industry and community projects to provide excellent experiential and work integrated learning opportunities to students.
Susan was involved and directed curriculum revisions and initial application for the 3-year Interior Design diploma to achieve accreditation from the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), resulting in Humber being the first institution outside of the United States and the first college in Canada to achieve this status. She then went on to direct the proposal for a 4-year Interior Design program ultimately granted a Ministry degree, and was instrumental in developing a two-year Interior Decorating diploma.
As program coordinator Susan supported the development of internal and external pathways for students, including as an integral team member in the development of an internal pathway between the Interior Decorating and Interior Design programs, providing students with a seamless pathway to degree completion. She also supported students through the implementation of retention strategies and establishing program completion plans for underperforming students. Susan has supported the strengthening of program curriculum and delivery as well as marketing the program, including through strategic industry partnerships. Some of these accomplishments have included:
- 2016 Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara;
- Accessibility Checklist for Residential Homes (CMHC, 2016)
- TIFF 2015;
- Decorating Senior’s Residences (Greens Galore, 2015);
- Canadian Home Show Humber booth 2013,
- Interior Design Show Humber booth 2011;
- Design Dilemma Event 2013- 2016; and
- Halloween and Christmas Set design for Global TV Morning Show 2012 -2016.