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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Jan Z. Wiranowski, Mathematics


MCC has lost one of its brightest beacons with the passing of Professor Jan Z. Wiranowski (Mathematics) on Monday evening, March 31. The mark that Jan made on his students and MCC through his 47-year teaching career and generous philanthropy is indelible. His ability to help students discover their unique “place in the universe” (to quote Jan) and passion for higher education will long be remembered.

Jan is survived by his son, Mark Wiranowski (Melissa Lockman); his daughter, Katherine Wiranowski; his granddaughter, Zora Wiranowski Lockman; and his close friend, Diane Callari.

A speaker of seven languages, Jan began his career at MCC as an instructor of French in September 1967. Four months later, he was hired full time in the Department of Modern Languages. In 1979, he also began teaching intermediate algebra (MTH 104) in the Department of Mathematics. He was promoted to professor of mathematics in 2002 for his demonstrated commitment to his students, department, division and the institution. He served under all five MCC presidents.

Jan also supported students as an advisor, leading final exam review workshops and writing many letters of recommendation for his students. He was a key, non-voting member of the Department of Mathematics Committee. 

Jan established three endowed scholarships at the MCC Foundation: the Jan Wiranowski Endowed Scholarship Fund (for math and math-based science majors), the Wiranowski Renaissance Endowed Scholarship and the Universal Humanism of Hope Endowed Scholarship. He was also a member of the MCC Foundation Council (appointed in 2008), Alice Holloway Young Society and E. Kent Damon Lifetime Giving Society and a past member of the President’s Circle giving society.  The MCC Foundation regards his planned gift as a “historic and climactic expression of Jan’s lifelong belief in human potential.” Jan also supported the college’s new Assets for Independence program that will be launched later this semester.

He earned a master of arts degree in French from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont and a bachelor of science degree from Wrocław University of Technology in Wroclaw, Poland.  He also completed coursework for a doctorate of French literature at the University of Rochester.

While in hospice, Jan finished his autobiography, “From Rags to Teaches.” Copies will be added to MCC’s library collection following publication. 

At Jan’s request, there will be no funeral. Instead, his family is planning a memorial gathering for early May. Details will be shared as they become available. As Annette Leopard, Mathematics Department Chair, shared, “He wants no crying; he wants us all to ‘boogey’ and remember him with laughter.”

Jan spoke often of the stars and will always be one of our brightest. His legacy lives on through his scholarship recipients. He will be sorely missed.

Condolences may be sent to Mark Wiranowski, 807 E. Moorhead Circle, Apt. C, Boulder, CO 80305 and Diane Callari, 1084 Ridge Road, Ontario, NY 14519.

Anne M. Kress
President's Office
04/02/2014