Fanshawe president celebrates final convocation before retirement

Dr. Howard Rundle, the retiring president of Fanshawe College, third from right, is seen with graduates of the Golf and Club Management program in London, Ont. on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in this photo provided by the college.

Dr. Howard Rundle, who is retiring after 41 years with Fanshawe College, was on hand for the final convocation ceremony before his retirement this summer.

“This is the best part of the year, the graduation ceremony, so seeing that gone is a little bit bitter…Everyone is so happy and I hear so many good things about our faculty and the services the college provides, it’s just all so positive!” Rundle says.

Along with wanting to be active in the Fanshawe community, that positivity may be why Rundle hasn’t missed a single graduation ceremony in all his years as president.

Rundle announced his retirement in January, and will leave his post as the college’s president of 17 years, at the end of August.

At the time of the announcement, the chair of Fanshawe’s Board of Governors Crispin Colvin, said in a statement “Dr. Rundle embodies the very qualities that instill loyalty and enthusiasm…His loyalty to his staff, the students and his integrity has earned him the respect of all with whom he comes in contact.”

Since Rundle joined the college in 1972, it has grown from 3,300 full-time students and about 90 programs to over 17,000 full-time students and over 200 degree, diploma, certificate and graduate programs.

Rundle says he plans to volunteer and maintain a strong role in the community after his retirement.

“I’m a big pusher for London. We need to develop and there are some challenges. Any way I can contribute, I’m ready to do it.”

He and his wife, Lynda, are also planning to spend more time with their children and grandchildren.

As for his departure after so many years, Rundle says “For 41 years it’s been a part of my life, so it’ll never disappear. And I am sure there will be reasons for me to come back.”