of  
Deborah Rutzen
An academic dean and history instructor, Deborah Rutzen received the rare honor in June 2003 of being named an honorary Kingswood alumna.

Rutzen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kalamazoo College and a Master of Arts degree from Oakland University before arriving at Cranbrook. She was a field associate for Educational Development Center -- training teachers in inquiry-based education in the 1980s -- and a research fellow at Newberry Library in Quantitative History. She also served as a fellow to the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Winston Salem, N.C. -- studying design influences between Charleston and New York from 1800-1820 -- and an NEH fellow in History of Technology from Princeton University.

Rutzen is the faculty advisor for the Cranbrook Kingswood Chefs club. She has been a member of the ISACS Beginning Teacher Institute for five years and has made several professional presentations. She was co-chair of the ISACS Conference in 1986 and was also a reviewer of history games for Classroom Computer News.

Rutzen has received numerous awards, including the ISACS Outstanding Teacher Award, Kingswood Excellence in Teaching Award, the Haggenlocker Teaching Award and the Kingswood Alumnae Appreciation Award.
5/25/2009 - Susan Varbedian Lucken
Congratulations Miss Rutzen!!!! You always made learning fun. Who could forget the many fond memories at Greenfield Village in the little old schoolhouse??? It's truly a testament to you that not only are you a gifted teacher, but also a special friend. Thanks for the memories.
5/15/2009 - Sonia Ajluni Pastore
My lifelong interest in English Royalty stems from my days in her class; her passion and vast knowledge of the subject was inspiring. I am proud all these years later to have her serve not only as my daughter's advisor, but my friend.
3/19/2006 - Susan Aikens Post
Ms. Rutzen has the most amazing knack for finding and bringing out the best in every student who passes through her doorway. She is a wise woman with a huge heart, and Cranbrook is a better place for her presence.
9/11/2005 - Jodie Kaufman
Ms. Rutzen: excellent academic and personal advisor, she made a big difference in my time at cranbrook and gave me a place to talk freely while giving me excellent advice, hope and confidence.
9/11/2005 - Faye Karabelski
Mrs. Rutzen was my Sophomore year history teacher and advisor as an upperclassman. She was not only academic guidence, but emotional support as well. I knew I could always trust her, she made herself easily available despite her busy schedule and is one of the most fasinating women I've ever met.