Remembering Dr. George Zytaruk

Nipissing University offers condolences to the family and friends of Dr. George Zytaruk, who passed away on April 12.

A visionary academic and administrator, Dr. Zytaruk was Nipissing’s founding president, moving from Alberta to North Bay to head the institution in 1967. He was a member of the "Group of Seven," Nipissing’s founding faculty members, and was responsible for hiring the other six members. It was Dr. Zytaruk’s vision that resulted in the development of Nipissing’s current facilities at the Education Centre site. Dr. Zytaruk served as president until 1983, when he returned to the classroom as professor of English, a position he held until 1992, when he retired from teaching. A noted D.H. Lawrence scholar, he delighted in teaching Lawrence’s works to Nipissing students. Dr. Zytaruk was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters from Nipissing in 1992. The Dr. George J. Zytaruk Founding President’s Award in English Studies was established in 1997; it is presented annually to an upper-year student enrolled in Nipissing University’s English Studies program. In 2002, Nipissing University paid homage to its inaugural president, with the naming of Zytaruk Hall, a significant academic expansion. Dr. Zytaruk was given the designation President Emeritus from Nipissing University in 2011.

Dr. Zytaruk held a Bachelor of Education degree, a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Alberta; and a doctoral degree from the University of Washington.

The university expresses sincere sympathies to the Zytaruk family and honours the tremendous contribution Dr. Zytaruk made to this institution.
Family will receive friends at the Martyn Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 17, from 7 – 9 p.m. and from noon on Thursday, April 18, until the time of the memorial service at 1 p.m.

Donations to the Dr. George J. Zytaruk Founding President’s Award in English Studies, or to the North Bay Regional Health Centre, are appreciated.
Online condolences at www.martynfh.com