Emeritus and Emerita
Emeritus nominations
Any employee or appropriate individual or group may nominate a retiring/retired faculty member or professional staff to receive emeritus/emerita status.
Emeritus nominations for 2025 are now closed.
Past Award Recipients
2025 Emeritus Award Recipients
Gerda Krause, Dean Emerita, Faculty of Science
With over 45 years of service to Langara, Gerda has excelled in various roles including instructor, department chair, division chair, and dean. She also chaired the Education Council and served on Langara’s Board of Governors. Her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and compassion made a significant impact on the Langara community. Gerda co-founded 49Women in Science, supporting women's representation in STEM, and secured funds for scholarships and bursaries. She played a key role in the Tri-Mentoring program for female engineering students, bridging the knowledge gap and fostering their growth. Beyond the College, Gerda has served on various committees within the Mennonite Church and supports community projects such as transition houses. Her unwavering commitment, generosity, and desire to make a positive difference enriches the lives of those she encounters. Gerda wears her heart on her sleeve, always caring for others and striving to make Langara and the community better.
Stephen Phillips, Faculty Emeritus, Political Science
Dr. Stephen Phillips retires in 2025 after 31 years of dedicated service teaching political science at Langara. He studied law and political science at the University of Alberta before earning his PhD at UBC in 1999. During his tenure at Langara, Stephen served as department chair and political science co-ordinator for a total of 17 years. Long active in the BC Political Studies Association, he served as its president, organized several conferences, and presented numerous papers. Stephen contributed to scholarly literature by writing book chapters on politics and public affairs. He also enhanced Langara’s academic reputation by submitting written briefs to various public bodies. Stephen was a frequent participant in Langara's community lecture series and was keenly involved in the Langara Faculty Association (LFA), serving on its board of directors and co-editing its newsletter, Faculty Affairs.
2024 Emeritus Award Recipient
Darrell Kean, Faculty Emeritus, Criminal Justice
Darrell Kean began his career as a police officer for the City of Vancouver. He joined Langara in 1991, as a Criminal Justice instructor. His combination of academic and real-world experiences provided his students with a unique view into the criminal justice system. Darrell's involvement at Langara spanned 33 years, where he honed his leadership skills in roles such as Department Chair, Division Chair, Langara Faculty Association Vice President, Chief Steward, and LFA Board Executive. As a consultant for Federal, Provincial, Municipal and First Nations governments, including the Oppal Commission of Inquiry into Policing in British Columbia, Darrell was instrumental in helping to bring wholesale change to police recruitment and training.