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PVCC remembers the acts of a president, the life of a friend
"We knew Gina as a leader, friend and mentor," said Dr. Paul Dale, PVCC's interim president, at a memorial service held for Dr. Gina Kranitz, former president of PVCC, on Oct. 7. Dr. Kranitz passed away Oct. 2. During her four-year tenure as PVCC's president, she worked to expand and improve the college's offerings and culture. She encouraged the framework necessary to create a learning environment accessible to all students. Even to those who will never meet her, Dr. Kranitz' influence will be felt through the programs and environment she worked to build at PVCC. Hers is an impact that will remain for years to come, a legacy. The following is a compellation of thoughts from Dr. Kranitz' colleagues and friends, who honor the work of a dedicated president and the life of a remarkable woman. Dr. Gina Kranitz was a true friend of the PVCC faculty. She believed that the students and the faculty were at the heart of the college, and everyone else at the college (including the college president) existed to support the learning process. She demonstrated this commitment to students and faculty by lobbying the district for full-time faculty positions, by generously funding faculty initiatives, and by reaffirming, at every turn in formal and informal communications, her commitment to students and faculty. She had great empathy for the challenges of the faculty role and a clear understanding of the importance of the faculty role in student learning. As a true friend of the faculty, President Kranitz leaves a legacy that will be long remembered. She will be greatly missed. Marilyn Cristiano, Communications Department Chair
Elba Boe SLC Chairperson Gina is gone, and even though I had never met her, her philosophy has seeped into the fabric of this campus and she inspired many here. Her influence still stands within the framework of the faculty and staff, outwards through the students. We breathe in her standards as we learn. I cannot say that I will miss her--because she is still here. Maybe the ripple effect is stronger than was imagined. Tina Drury, PVCC Student I'd just like to say I felt that Gina was the "People's President" She took the time to know our names, and who we were. Thank you. Alison Livingston Administrative Secretary LSC Dr. Kranitz was a leader. She led with quiet dignity as a consummate professional. She may have been tiny in stature but was colossal in her commitment to providing a rich learning environment for students. Collaboration and innovation were paramount to Dr. Kranitz in achieving that end. Lest we forget, she was quick to remind us all that the instructional program was the core of our institution and that all efforts were to ultimately support quality teaching and learning. From the day she arrived on our campus, we clearly recognized her determination to provide faculty with the tools, experiences, professional growth opportunities and support they needed to deliver quality instruction. The students were at the center of her every decision.
Dr. Kranitz was adamant about fiscal responsibility. Throwing money at a problem was definitely not her style. She would frequently advise us to work smarter; but once she was convinced we had achieved “brilliance” in our problem solving, she would find the funds to support merited proposals. As a Business/IT Division, we have benefited by Dr. Kranitz’s leadership and support. She recognized the need for quality occupational programs as well as transfer programs for students. She valued a culturally diverse learning environment. She was a strong supporter for internationalizing our curriculum and developing an international business program. She recognized the importance of providing the necessary technology to enhance learning and to support the occupational students as they seek to develop job skills. She was committed to our linkages with the business community and universities and worked with us to foster those relationships. The legacy of Dr. Kranitz will live on. Her dedication to students, innovation and collaborative decision making have become a part of the PVCC culture. Patti Marsh Business/IT Division Chair I will always remember Gina's kind smile and warm hello as she walked around the campus. She was always willing to lend an ear if someone had a concern or question. She will be greatly missed. Ann Fulton Admissions and Records Assistant
Dr. Kranitz led by example. I learned so much from her by simply watching her in her role as President of Paradise Valley Community College. While I served as our campus PSA Professional Staff Association President, I met with Dr. Kranitz on a monthly basis along with the other policy group presidents on her President’s Advisory Council. It was in these meetings where I witnessed the courage, initiative, creativity,and excellence she clearly demonstrated in her position. Sheri Bakunowski, Coordinator, Distance Learning Because I was involved in SLC, I got to see Dr. Kranitz on multiple occasions. She knew who I was, along with knowing the other members of SLC. We always had a luncheon that she would attend, we worked with her on United Way festivities of years past. We always saw her around campus and she would offer a friendly smile and wave. I was fortunate to be an involved student while I was at PVCC. I am sorry that more students did not get the chance to know Dr. Kranitz as something more than our president. Actually, now that I think of it, many students got to know her because she was so involved in helping clubs. For example, last year was our first ever murder mystery party, and I believe she went all dressed up just like many of our very cool faculty and staff did! Dr. Kranitz was just a sweet woman and leader. She was very humble and always did her best to make appearances at important events. The council, and I believe I speak for everyone from 2000-2003, really loved her and was glad we had such an involved president.
The news that she had died was completely shocking to me because I never knew she was sick. She was so young and had so much more to give, but God wanted her back. She was a good role model for all and she will be missed. The well-known saying is true: Only the good die young. Megan Amphlett Former Secretary, Chairperson, Senator of SLC Courageous, brave, determined, friend, leader, firm, always held her head high—a true woman of substance. Gina's good work for the college will be with us for a long time. Paul Dale PVCC Interim President I met Gina many years ago as a member of Arizona Womens’ Political Caucus. There we together worked on issues related to the election and appointment of women to governmental positions, believing that women had many valid and important contributions to make in the public policy arena. When I became a member of the MCCD Governing board in 1980 I met Gina in a new capacity as she was an employee of MCCD. As a friend, I observed her rise in the ranks taking on greater and greater responsibility and achieving success with each new challenge. Gina was a friend to all, and particular to women who emulated her as an example of a "grow your own" employee. Very few who could expect to achieve the success that she had, but she mentored many to help them achieve their goals. Maricopa has lost a unique individual whose contribution will be remembered by all who knew her. Linda Rosenthal Governing Board Representative
Everyone who knew President Gina Kranitz knew that her passion was education. Regardless of one’s age, goals or desire to learn, Gina provided the leadership to assure that PVCC was a special environment to fulfill educational dreams. She also understood that the pursuit of learning was sought by people from all walks of life. Gina supported the work of the Division of Continuing Education through her vision of outreach programming, growth of non-credit classes and workforce development links with the business community. Her desire to offer educational opportunities to students of all ages was steadfast. All of the staff of Continuing Education—Judi Anderson, Bob Duke, Vicki Sutton and Chris Hunt—have been encouraged by Gina’s strong commitment to continuing education opportunities for our community. Her inspirational and remarkable, compassionate view of life, which saw potential in all students, has touched our lives and has helped shape many initiatives beyond the campus walls. We feel the void of her presence; but we can say that our lives, and the lives of our students, are better because of Gina. Her legacy at PVCC will continue to enrich our community for years to come. Judi Anderson, Director Division of Continuing Education I believe that, above all of Gina's honors, her accomplishments, her leadership skills and her vision for this college—which are considerable and certainly worthy of praise—our final tribute to Gina is: "Gina was a good woman." We can educate the body, and we can train the mind. But touching the heart is the most important! Gina Kranitz—at the very end, could say—"Yes, I have lived a life worth living." John Nelson English Division Chair There are many wonderful things I can say about Gina but I'd like to mention her love and encouragement of the arts at PVCC. Gina had undergraduate training in the visual arts, and she had a life long commitment to aesthetics in her work and private environments. Always supporting fine and performing art programs, Gina found special moments to stop and visit campus creative art activities. She always offered a word of encouragement to art students. Gina was a collector of art and she would have been thrilled to have been able to see and hear our beautiful new water sculpture gift from Alan Hochman. Thank you Gina for supporting that gift; when I pass the new sculpture I will think of you. Dr. Joan Ritsch Visual Arts Faculty |
| Last updated: November 11, 2003 Paradise Valley Community College- URL-http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/Puma/ © 2003Maricopa County Community College District. All Rights Reserved. Click here for Questions or Comments. 
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