Krussel Retires After 34 Years

Associate Dean of Student Academic Affairs and Professor of Mathematics John Krussel has retired after 34 years at Lewis & Clark.

“To say that I have mixed emotions is an understatement,” Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Bruce Suttmeier said. “John has more than earned the right to step into an emeritus role and I am happy he can soon begin his travels. But I will miss all he brings to the office and the larger institution, from his mastery of course scheduling to the wisdom, patience, and kindness he brings to every conversation.”

Krussel started at the College in 1987, following several years in the Peace Corps in Mali and graduate work at Colorado State University. In his 27 years of teaching, he won Teacher of the Year and the David Savage Award, led overseas programs to East Africa, and with his Catherine Krussel Memorial scholarship for first-generation students, he put in place a legacy of continuing to help students on Palatine Hill.

For the past seven years, he has served the College with dedication and skill as Associate Dean for Student Academic Affairs. He has also been an avid Pios supporter, a prize-winning cheesecake baker, and a member of every committee, task force, working group, and knitting circle on campus.

“As many of you know, he was all set to retire last June, but when the pandemic hit and forced us to rethink every detail of our work, I asked John if he would consider staying on another year. He generously agreed,” Suttmeier said. “During the darkest days of the pandemic, John’s deep experience, calm manner, and endless patience was vital to keeping all the behind-the-scenes machinery moving. I am forever grateful for having him help the institution navigate the pandemic as well as we did.”