Familiar face makes appearance at Algoma University

Saturday marked the return of a familiar face to the Algoma University campus.

Dr. Karl Jirgens was an English professor at the University from 1994 to 2004 before moving on to the University of Windsor where he now holds the position of Dean of English.

Master Jirgens is also an 8th Dan Black Belt and returned to Algoma University over the weekend to conduct a black belt test for some of his students locally.

Master Jirgens serves as Vice-President and Secretary General of the Royal Tae Kwon Do Federation and is a founding member of the local martial arts school, which holds classes at the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University.

During his tenure at Algoma University Master Jirgens was heavily involved in Tae Kwon Do locally and finds himself in a similar position while in Windsor.

When Master Jirgens left Algoma University in 2004, he passed along the local chapter to fellow black belts Bob Burns, Don Buchan and Tom Kulmala, all of whom are still involved locally.

While speaking to the young group of students locally, Master Jirgens reiterated that Tae Kwon Do beliefs of discipline, respect, confidence, patience and honour.

Along with his professional career at Windsor and his Tae Kwon Do involvement, Master Jirgens is also an accomplished author, having written and edited numerous books and scholarly articles in his career.