School of Art on the passing of Deanna Shawneen “Shawn” Anderson
It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Deanna Shawneen Anderson, affectionately known as Shawn, on August 27, 2024, at the age of 84. Shawn served as the Administrative Assistant at the School of Art (SoA), University of Manitoba, from the mid-1970s until her retirement in 2000.
A dedicated and cherished member of the School of Art community, Shawn played a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming and vibrant environment for students, faculty, and staff. After moving to Winnipeg from the United States, she found a sense of belonging within the SoA, a sentiment she shared with her family through fond memories of her work. Shawn particularly enjoyed the annual field trips to Chicago and Minneapolis, reflecting her passion for art and community building.
Shawn’s ability to wear many hats in her administrative role was legendary. She was a central figure in ensuring the smooth operation of the School of Art and often went beyond her job description to offer personalized support to students and colleagues. As Dale Amundson, a former Director of the School of Art, recalls:
“It was upon my appointment as Director of the School of Art that I began to fully understand the depth of Shawn’s knowledge and capabilities as well as the ways in which her involvement in the functioning of the School of Art extended beyond the role of Administrative Assistant. The School of Art general office consisted of four people: myself, Shawn, and two secretarial staff. Shawn not only had the responsibility of managing the office as well as assisting me with budget preparation and management, course and classroom scheduling, and faculty assignment but also to work with the multiple areas (Painting, Drawing, Art History, etc.) through area chairpersons and technicians… She became, over the years, the de facto student advisor for the School of Art, going out of her way to provide students with the guidance necessary for them to get the most out of their experience at the School of Art and the University generally.”
Read Dale’s full comments below.
Derek Brueckner, a School of Art Instructor and former student, echoed similar sentiments:
“Shawn was an incredible person who worked multiple roles as the main administrative assistant at the School of Art and, at times, was the only administrative and support staff there. As a student, I remember how much we all appreciated Shawn. She was always available to meet with students with her big smile and warm personality, often without needing an appointment. It’s remarkable to think that one person managed all those roles so effectively for many years.”
Shawn’s contributions left an indelible mark on the School of Art community. Her legacy of kindness, organizational excellence, and commitment to fostering creativity will long be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
The School of Art extends its deepest condolences to Shawn’s family and friends during this time. Her impact on the community will continue to resonate for years to come.
Former School of Art Director, Dale Amundson on Shawn Anderson
Shawn was my Administrative Assistant during the first number of years I was Director of the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. I had known her for years prior to my appointment as Director, having been a faculty member and having served in an administrative capacity as Director of the School of Art Gallery 1.1.1. for ten years prior to my appointment as Director of the School of Art in 1993. She retired several years prior to my stepping down as Director in 2003.
Shawn was always open and forthcoming in my dealings with her as Gallery Director. There were complicated issues surrounding the move from the old Fitzgerald Building to the new one, as the Gallery and the University’s valuable collection held by the School of Art required museum quality storage space. Shawn was able to provide the expertise necessary to help me navigate the University bureaucracy to create museum quality storage and exhibition space for the collection and for gallery programming. In addition, Shawn provided me with the budgetary expertise necessary for me to expand the role of the gallery within the University and the community despite difficult financial constraints.
It was upon my appointment as Director of the School of Art that I began to fully understand the depth of Shawn’s knowledge and capabilities as well as the ways in which her involvement in the functioning of the School of Art extended beyond the role of Administrative Assistant. The School of Art general office consisted of four people; myself, Shawn and two secretarial staff (at times only one). Shawn not only had the responsibility of managing the office as well as assisting me with budget preparation and management, course and classroom scheduling, faculty assignment and many related administrative duties but also to work with the multiple areas (Painting, Drawing, Art History, etc.) through area chair persons and technicians. The list could go on since in a small, underfunded unit such as the School of Art the role of the single administrative assistant was all encompassing. Shawn managed to cover it all, providing me with the assistance I needed to do my job and provide other faculty and staff with the same.
In addition, although it was not specifically part of her job description, she became, over the years the de facto student advisor for the School of Art. Going out of her way to provide students with the guidance necessary for them to get the most out of their experience at the School of Art and the University generally.
I will be forever grateful to Shawn for her support and assistance during my years as a faculty member and administrator at the University of Manitoba.