Recently, 14 professors of UFV have retired and been honoured with Professor Emeritus status for their years of hard work and dedication. Dr. Peter Raabe, previously a philosophy professor of UFV, and Dr. Greg Schlitt, a long-term math professor who has played a vital role in the development of the math, statistics, and science departments, were two of the professors who were awarded the Emeritus status.
Emeritus or in this case, Professor Emeritus status, is a special title for retirees. It is a way to recognize the efforts and achievements made by a professor during their career. It also serves as a way for a university to show its appreciation toward a professor.
“The framed award and the congratulatory letter I received from President MacLean showed me that the university recognised and valued my contribution to UFV,” said Raabe. Though retiring and receiving the title means an end to their journey in teaching, it does not mean it is entirely over. As Schlitt said, “I’m not done yet! I have deep connections with UFV and hope in some ways to be able to continue contributing.”
Having started as a sessional instructor back in 2003, Raabe has been on staff at UFV for over 15 years. Raabe was not originally a scholar, though; he didn’t start his journey into becoming a philosopher until his 40s. With the love and support of his wife, Raabe worked his way through an undergraduate, masters, and a doctorate all by the time he was 50. A few short years later, he was hired by UFV and has been with the university ever since.
Schlitt was originally hired in 1992, at a time when present-day UFV was more commonly known as Fraser Valley College or the University College of the Fraser Valley. Schlitt has held a variety of positions during his UFV career that spans almost three decades, including being the head of the math and statistics department, the acting dean of science, the acting director of research, and the acting director of the school of land use and environmental change.
In the many years that Raabe has been a philosopher, counsellor, and professor, he has made several achievements and contributions to the study of philosophy and to the university. To name just a few of his accomplishments, he has 48 published essays in peer-reviewed international journals, three essays published in books edited by other authors, presented at 56 international conferences in a wide variety of countries, and has published five books in five different languages.
Schlitt claimed that his proudest achievement at UFV has been having the opportunity and joy of being able to play a major role in the development of the math, statistics, and science programs on a whole. Though he is retired now, Schlitt hopes and intends to still be involved in the UFV community.
“My favorite accomplishment was to introduce, develop, and teach the Philosophy for Counsellors course (PHIL 367).” said Raabe. “This course made students aware that there is a significant difference between the physical brain and the intangible mind, and that so-called ‘mental illnesses’ are not biological brain diseases that must be treated with harsh psychiatric medications.”
When asked if he had any final words of wisdom to give students, Raabe said, “It’s normal to be sad or worried about things sometimes. Everyone has reasons why they’re sad or worried at times. Don’t turn to drugs when you feel sad or worried about stuff. All psychiatric drugs will give you troublesome side-effects. The best treatment is to talk with a family member, a friend, or a counsellor about what’s going on in your life that makes you feel the way you do.”
In addition to that advice, Schlitt had his own final food for thought, stating, “UFV may not be big and flashy, but as a student-centred institution, its heart is in the right place. Its professors are subject-matter experts hired with that student-centre in mind. There’s so much opportunity available for you if you engage with your professors and what you’re learning. Take advantage!”
Emmaline is working on her BA and ambitions to become an English teacher. They always say, those who cannot do, teach. She spends her free time buying, reading, and hoarding books with the hope that one day she will have no furniture and instead only have piles of books.
