Jerzy Hauptmann, Ph.D., Park University professor emeritus of political science and public administration who passed away on Jan. 29, was recently recognized by the leaders of two area cities as well as a member of the media.
 |
| Roger Hershey, Dorla Watkins and Erik Bergrud (from left) accepted a proclamation from the Parkville Board of Aldermen during its meeting on Feb. 5. |
On Feb. 5, the Parkville Board of Aldermen presented representatives from the University a proclamation in memory of Hauptmann. The proclamation was accepted by Erik Bergrud, director of the International Center for Civic Engagement and special assistant to the president for university projects on civic engagement; Roger Hershey, vice president and general counsel; and Dorla Watkins, vice president for finance and administration.
On Feb. 7, the Kansas City, Mo., City Council passed a resolution honoring Hauptmann and his legacy. Mayor Mark Funkhouser, a former Hauptmann School for Public Affairs (HSPA) adjunct instructor, provided a touching and personal introduction to the resolution. Also, Councilmember John Sharp, another former HSPA adjunct instructor offered kind words about Hauptmann. Bergrud accepted the resolution on behalf of Hauptmann’s family. Video from the meeting can be viewed at http://kansascity.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2 by selecting the Feb. 7 Legislative Session.
In addition, Mike Shanin, a Kansas City radio and television talk-show host, paid tribute to Hauptmann on Feb. 7 at the end of his "Ruckus" program on KCPT. Shanin is a former student of Hauptmann's. Time Warner Cable customers in the Kansas City area can access the show for a limited time via "Kansas City on Demand" -- Channel 113.
A memo to the Park University community from President Beverley Byers-Pevitts about Hauptmann's passing, as well as a brief biography about Hauptmann, can be read at www.parkvideo.net/news/publish/news_00737.shtml. In addition, an Online memorial is available at www.park.edu/hauptmann.
The Parkville proclamation and Kansas City, Mo., resolution can be read below.
Parkville, Mo., Board of Aldermen Proclamation
In Memory of Jerzy Hauptmann, Ph.D.
Not a Parkville native by birth, Jerzy Hauptmann became part of the Parkville family in 1951 when he joined the faculty of Park College (now Park University).
Through all these years, he brought great honor to the School and the City.
In the worldwide sphere in which in moved and was well known and highly respected, Parkville became and remained his home of choice. We are very proud.
Signed by Mayor Kathryn A. Dusenbery, with Aldermen Deborah Butcher, Jim Brooks, David McCoy, Gia McFarlane, Marvin Ferguson, Jeffrey S. Bay, Marc Sportsman and Gerry Richardson listed.
Kansas City, Mo., Resolution No. 080145
Honoring Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann on his many achievements throughout his career.
WHEREAS, as professor emeritus of political science and public administration, Jerzy Hauptmann, Ph.D., had a distinguished career that spanned more than 50 years with Park University; and
WHEREAS, born and educated in Poland, Hauptmann served in the "underground" Polish Home Army during World War II. His participation in the Warsaw Uprising in August of 1944 led Hauptmann to spend several months as a Prisoner of War; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hauptmann immigrated to the United States in 1950 where, following post-doctorial study at Northwestern University, he joined the faculty of Park University in 1951 and was renowned for his expertise in political science and public administration; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hauptmann was a leading figure in Kansas City's public administration community for more than four decades. He served as the founding president of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration and organized and chaired the 1965 ASPA National Conference, which was held at Kansas City's historic Muehlebach Hotel and featured President Harry S. Truman as honorary chair; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, Dr. Hauptmann established Park University's Graduate School of Public Affairs in Downtown Kansas City. Many of his former students have served in leadership capacities for the City of Kansas City. In 2001, the school was named after Dr. Hauptmann in tribute to his 50 years at Park University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hauptmann's legacy lives on through multiple generations of students and colleagues, in Kansas City and throughout the world, who share his passion for knowledge and his commitment to service; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby honor Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann on his many achievements throughout his career; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that copies hereof be presented to his family in token of the sadness felt by the Mayor and Council on this occasion.
