Carol A. Ratza

Carol A. Ratza
1958 — 1997

Carol A. Ratza died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997, at her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was a tremendous person who is missed beyond what words can describe. We all lost not only a visionary, but for many of us a friend and mentor.

For 11 years, Carol worked at the Great Lakes Commission, most recently as manager of the Communications and Information Management Program. With unique and innovative vision, Carol created and led two large data and information sharing projects for the Great Lakes region: development of the Great Lakes Regional Air Toxic Emissions Inventory and the Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN). But her impact went far beyond the Great Lakes. Now other regions of the world look to her projects as models.

Attached below are testimonials from Carol's family, friends and colleagues about working with Carol and the lasting impression her work has made on the Great Lakes region.

Carol created opportunities for people to grow and challenged them to live up to the potential she saw in them. To honor this vision, the Carol A. Ratza Memorial Scholarship has been established at the Great Lakes Commission to provide support for students interested in information technology and the Great Lakes.

If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, please direct correspondence to:

Christine Manninen, manninen@glc.org
Communications Director, Great Lakes Commission
Eisenhower Corporate Park
2805 S. Industrial Hwy., Suite #100
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-6791
Phone: 734-971-9135
Fax: 734-971-9150