Park University - Professor Emeritus Jerzy Hauptmann Passes Away

A memo to the Park University community from President Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., about the passing of Jerzy Hauptmann, Ph.D

Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann

I am deeply saddened to report that Jerzy Hauptmann, Ph.D., beloved professor emeritus of political science and public administration passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2008.

Dr. Hauptmann taught at Park for more than 50 years and brought international attention to the University through a lifetime commitment to educate students about political systems and the pivotal role that citizens must take to become informed and effectual leaders in their respective communities.

He launched Park's first graduate degree program in 1982 and in 2001 the School for Public Affairs was renamed the "Hauptmann School for Public Affairs" in honor of this remarkable educator. The Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Lecture Program, an annual lecture which also bears his name, is a tribute for his outstanding accomplishments in public administration and international politics, and brings internationally renowned speakers to the University.

Please join me in remembering the Hauptmann family in our thoughts and prayers.

An Online memorial where memories and condolences to the family of Hauptmann can be left is available at www.park.edu/hauptmann.

Funeral arrangements announced

Dr. Hauptmann's funeral will be held on Monday, Feb. 4, starting at 11 a.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 6700 NW 72nd Street, in Platte Woods, Mo. The church is located on 72nd Street between I-29 and 9 Highway. No visitation will be held and a graveside burial service will be for family only.

A reception for alumni, faculty and staff to share stories and memories of Dr. Hauptmann also will be held on Monday, from 2 to 5 p.m., in the McCoy Meetin' House on the Parkville Campus. Light refreshements will be served. Questions about the reception can be e-mailed to alumnioffice@park.edu.

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. He was a respected international professor, leader and lecturer who received numerous national and international accolades for his insightful guidance.

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. Following the surrender of Warsaw, he resumed his academic study at the University of Innsbruck (Austria) receiving his M.B.A. and Ph.D. degrees.

He immigrated to the United States in 1950 where, following post-doctorial study at Northwestern University, he joined the faculty of Park University in 1951. The City of Parkville honored him in 1966 for his unwavering community service and for bringing recognition to the Parkville area throughout his career.

Hauptmann received the Distinguished Service Award for Service to Education in May 1991 to honor his 40 years of service to Park University. The University also established the Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Lecture Program in his honor. In June of 1996, the Park University Alumni Association presented to him the Torchlighter Award for his leadership within the University.

The Park University Alumni Association again honored him in 2001 when he was named an Honorary Alumnus. In that same year, the Park University Graduate School of Public Affairs was renamed the "Hauptmann School of Public Affairs."

He was renowned for his expertise in political science and public administration. He lectured widely, including participating at the OPM Executive Seminar Centers in Oak Ridge and Denver, and served on many boards and committees associated with political science and public administration. His professional expertise led to several European academic appointments including serving as a Fulbright Professor of Political Science at the University of Nurnberg and as Professor of International Relations at the National War College.

From 1967 to 1986, he served as editor of the American Review of Public Administration and as the Executive Secretary of the Conference on European Problems (CEP), an international organization concerned with the problems of East-West relations. During the Heidelberg conference in 1991 he received the Davidson-Rhode Award for his international conference work and CEP service.

Hauptmann was an outstanding emissary for his community, his church, as well as a partisan of conservative affairs on the local, state, national and international levels.

If you have news to share, please submit it through the Park News submission page, Communication Coordinator, or send the information through campus mail to Box 65.

For more information about Park University, please contact Rita Weighill, Associate Vice President for Communication at (816) 584-6211.