Senate Reference No. 02-3

GERALD G. SZYMANSKI

17 JUNE 1936 - 17 MARCH 2002

Gerald G. Szymanski, Associate Professor Emeritus of Education and a thirty-year faculty member of the IPFW School of Education, died on March 17, 2002. Dr. Szymanski, a Detroit, Michigan native, first came to the Fort Wayne campus in 1967 as a resident lecturer while he was completing his doctoral degree in educational psychology at the University of Michigan. After serving IPFW, he was tenured and soon promoted to the rank of Associate Professor.

Dr. Szymanski’s students benefited from his valuable experience as a teacher in the Detroit schools and from his vast knowledge base gleaned from his avid love of reading. He maintained a file card on every book that he read; the stack of cards totaled 1,979.

Jerry’s colleagues respected him for his loyalty and professional contributions to IPFW. They also valued his wonderful sense of humor which he often shared in challenging situations. His comical perspectives frequently induced welcomed laughter from those around him.

Jerry loved to play golf, to listen to his extensive music collection, to attend Fort Wayne Philharmonic concerts, and to travel to Canada to see Shakespearean productions. Also, he was a big baseball fan and faithfully followed his cherished Detroit Tigers. Although his passion for his hobbies and interests was most evident, he enjoyed each of them in his very quiet and calm manner.

He will always be remembered with the deepest respect and admiration by his colleagues. Certainly his passing leaves a void in their lives, but memories of his wonderful personality, friendship, and professionalism leave them with feelings of gratitude for having had the opportunity to serve with him.

Jerry cherished his wife Dolly; deeply loved his children, John, Tom, Jim, and Mary; treasured his nine grandchildren; and held dear his brother Dennis and sister Arlene. To each of them the most sincere sympathy is extended.