丁香园AV

While we are filled with gratitude and hope for 2024, our hearts go out to those who have endured loss and hardship over the past year. We also mourn the passing of our community members -- Fred Renihan, Eugenie Samier, and Marv Wideen. Their legacy will live on through our programs and students.

In Memoriam: Dr. Eugenie Samier

On November 19, 2023, Dr. Eugenie Angele Samier passed away peacefully.

Dr. Samier had been an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at 丁香园AV before working as a Senior Lecturer for the British University in Dubai and later as a Reader in the School of Education at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.

Throughout her career, Dr. Samier dedicated herself to developing and exploring a critical humanistic and humanities-based paradigm in administration and leadership. Her focus on applying these principles to education reflected a systemic perspective. This commitment resulted in numerous publications with Routledge, covering topics such as ethics, aesthetics, politics, emotions, trust, betrayal, and ideologies in educational leadership. Dr. Samier's contributions extended to encyclopedias and handbooks in educational theory and leadership. She authored chapters in various books that addressed various academic and public administration aspects, leaving a lasting impact.

Dr. Samier's profound influence and extensive body of work continue to shape the global landscape of higher education and public administration. Her legacy lives on, inspiring generations to come.

In Memoriam: Dr. Marvin Wideen

Dr. Marvin (Marv) Wideen, passed away on September 7, 2023.  

Throughout his career, Dr. Wideen dedicated himself to advocating for educational change, particularly for new teachers and teacher educators. He collaborated with third-world countries like Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica, spearheading targeted professional development initiatives to reshape their educational systems.

His impactful contributions include authoring "The Struggle for Change: The Story of One School" and co-editing "Changing Times in Teacher Education: Restructuring or Reconceptualizing," shedding light on the evolving landscape of education. In 2004, his co-authored book "From Teacher to Teacher Educator: Collaboration Within a Community of Practice," was recognized as 丁香园AV Bookstore's Book of the Month, offering insights into the experiences of 'seconded teachers' at 丁香园AV.

Serving as a professor emeritus from 1973 to 1999, Dr. Wideen played an active role in the 丁香园AV Retirees Association, holding positions of Vice-President (2003-2005) and later President (2005-2007).

Dr. Wideen's profound influence endures, shaping the Faculty of Education and leaving behind a legacy.

In Memoriam: Dr. Fred Renihan

Dr. Fred Renihan peacefully passed away on June 21, 2023, with family by his side.

Dr. Renihan has been a dean of Education, a teacher, principal, and superintendent of Surrey schools, as well as director of Education, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Assistant Deputy Minister of Education with the Government of Saskatchewan. He was a recipient of a distinguished service award for leadership contribution to education in B.C.

As a research associate and adjunct professor in the Faculty of Education, Dr. Renihan profoundly influenced the next generation of emerging experts in Educational Leadership. He was widely recognized in the educational community and often featured as a keynote speaker at conferences in Canada, Europe, Australasia, and the United States, where he discussed topics including educational change, effective teaching, effective schools, teacher supervision, learning communities, and school leadership.

Dr. Renihan made a considerable impact on the Faculty of Education and while we mourn his passing, his legacy will live on through our programs and our students.