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.
Susan’s efforts have supported student success and have showcased the program very well resulting in a more than two-fold growth in student enrolment over the last four years. She has exemplified a strong commitment to the success of her program and students as well as being reliable and invaluable when working as part of a multidisciplinary team on program/cluster and school-wide initiatives to support student success.
I thank Susan for her significant contribution to the College and her students and wish her the very best on her retirement.
Rosemary Dunning
After 25 years of exemplary service at Humber Rosemary Dunning is moving on to new challenges.
Her contribution in teaching and coordinating is significant with an emphasis on guiding the students in their first year of design and preparing them for acceptance into the major programs. During her tenure she taught 3-D Design, Drawing and Industrial Design in the Design Foundation Program and was the program coordinator.
She is leaving the Program in good hands and in excellent shape for the challenges in the coming years. I’d like to thank Rosemary for her strong commitment to the program and dedication in supporting student success.
Michael Baldwin
After almost 30 years of excellent and dedicated service at Humber College, Michael Baldwin has decided to retire.
Michael started his career at Humber in 1987 and was the Chair for the School of Design over a period of three years, which at that time consisted of six programs and 700 students. Michael then introduced the Design Foundation program which served to develop the student’s ability in design process and drawing skills to help them gain entry into Humber’s other design programs. It served to provide both access to students who were interested in design but lacked the necessary skills to do so, but also served to enhance the design portfolios for university students who were applying for undergraduate and graduate programs in design.
Michael was the program coordinator for the Design Foundation program over a period of 13 years and then faculty for another 13 years leading up to his retirement. During this period he taught graphic design and drawing courses in the Design Foundation program as well as teaching briefly in the Interior Design and Industrial Design programs.
In recognition of his significant contribution to the design cluster and student success Michael was the recipient of both the Innovator of the Year Award and Distinguished Faculty Award from Humber College in 1989 and 2006, respectively. His efforts were also recognized externally, as the recipient of the Province of Ontario’s Leadership in faculty Teaching Award in 2006.
During his tenure at Humber also authored a how-to-draw book “Drawing the Line” in 2006 which was sold in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A new edition with digital enhancements was recently published by Humber Press.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Michael for his significant contributions to Humber and wish him the very best on all of his future endeavors.
Michael Kirk
It is with regret that I announce that Michael Kirk has resigned his role as full-time faculty in our Supply Chain Management program. Michael joined Humber in August, 2009, following a successful career as an executive in the logistics and supply chain field. Michael helped to strengthen our Supply Chain Management program through his strong focus on teaching excellence and his emphasis on connecting students to industry practices. Michael plans to return to industry, providing consulting and executive coaching services. Michael also intends to travel more extensively. We thank Michael for his significant contributions to Humber’s success and we offer best wishes for the next phase of his career.
We invite you to join us at the holiday party to celebrate theirs and other faculty on December 19th at 3:30 p.m. in the Humber Room
