RWC Dean Dolores Straker announced just before the start of fall classes that she would forego the final year of her term as Dean of the College. RWC Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Don O’Meara has been named Interim Dean to replace her.Dean Straker took the position of RWC Dean in Sept. 2003, but has battled cancer since early in her term. She has gone through a sequence of therapies and intensive treatments while still maintaining her position as Dean of the college.
Some at the College had grown apprehensive about her ability to handle the job while receiving treatments, but most believe she handled it extremely well.
Recently the College issued this memo to the RWC staff: “In appreciation for Dolores’s service to RWC and in a show of support for her continuing medical struggles, it has been suggested that RWC collectively send her a thank you gift. This will consist of a nicely framed print of the photograph of faculty and staff taken at Convocation; we’re having it framed with an extra-large mat so that folks can sign around the print. If you would like to contribute to the cost of the gift, please stop by the dean’s office starting next Monday, Oct. 1 to drop off your donation and to sign the mat. Any extra monies will be turned into a gift card for Dolores.”
The predominant feeling around RWC is that of support and gratitude for Dean Straker. RWC student Kyle Gulleman applauded Dean Straker for her ability to provide services during her time of need. “It’s easy for her to say she couldn’t handle the job because of her illness, but she hasn’t made any such statement. She has been nothing but awesome to RWC and its students,” Gulleman said.
After being named Interim Dean, O’Meara was nothing but gracious and respectful of former Dean Straker