Filling the shoes of a man who has left a giant size to fill is a tough task. President Rich Rutkowski has done just that, however.
Replacing Rutkowski in July will be Dr. Eileen Ely. "She has big shoes to fill," says John Ramsey, director of public information. "She's very excited to be coming here."
Arriving at the college in 1974, Rutkowski was a standout employee to the college. "[He] came into the college as the Dean of Business Affairs," said Mel Lindbloom, Green River's founding college president. Right away Rutkowski jumped into one of the most difficult position of the college.
"Rich was always great working with many teachers and staff," continues Lindbloom. "He would make many recommendations to the Board of Trustees and myself on what the college should be focusing on."
After Lindbloom retired in 1982, Rutkowski applied to be the president but was not selected as a candidate by the Board of Trustees. Two years later he was called in by the Board as they asked him to temporally take on the leadership role as president of Green River.
Rutkowski has made Green River what it is today. With the current budget problem, Rutkowski does whatever it takes to keep as many employees employed at the college. "I think a lot of that you can trace back to Rich," commented Ramsey. "He has made it a priority to value the people. I think it shows over the last couple of years we've done what we can do to avoid layoffs."
"I think he has been very support of faculty and instruction staff," said John Bush, a psychology instructor who has worked at Green River for 40 years.
As most people would say after meeting Rutkowski; they couldn't have asked for a better college president. Rutkowski has worked very well with the state legislative working on getting the college new buildings and funding for future projects like the 124th street improvements. "He has the ability of working with both sides of legislators," adds Lindbloom.
Rutkowski has also been in full support of the college; no matter the time of day. "He has been a 24 hour president for the college," Ramsey exclaims. "The college operates around the clock as well; so it's always been great that he does too."
Green River has been very lucky in the fact that there have only been three college presidents to work here. "It's very cool because at most institution most college presidents last for maybe five or so years," said Ramey.
"I think it's been great for the institution to only have three [college presidents]. I think what you find at Green River is there are a lot of employees that have been here for a long time, and that's due in part because the leaders have been here for a long time too," says Ramsey.
Another leader on campus, Executive Vice President April Jensen, reflected on a funny story of her and Rutkowski. "When I was here for two years, there was some strife between the faculty and administration. I couldn't improve on the relationship like I wanted," he said. "When I was talking to Rich about it he pointed at me and said ‘listen. This has been going on for over 20 years and you're not going to fix it over night'," she added laughing.
All in all, Rutkowski will be a cherished figure on campus for years to come. "He has done an outstanding job [as president]," said Lindbloom.
"I think he has done an excellent job of being president," Bush adds. "He has managed us through three very difficult times."
"Rich is by far the best president I have ever had," comments Jensen.
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