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William Mykolajenko
William Mykolajenko, an engineer in research at U-M-Flint who dedicated 39 years to the University, Born in Lazyrhki, Ukraine, Mykolajenko came to Flint in 1950 after being educated as a design engineer in West Germany. He joined U-M-Flint in 1965. Although he spent much of his career as an engineer in research, he served most of the departments within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), especially Physics, Engineering Science, Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.
Known to many as simply Bill or Jenko, his commitment to excellence earned him a reputation unmatched at U-M-Flint. His peers saw him as a quiet and unassuming man who always went above and beyond the call of duty. Putting others above himself was a defining characteristic of Mykolajenko. "He never asked for help, but was always ready to help others," says Mojtaba Vaziri, chair of Computer Science, Engineering Science and Physics.
New or old, simple or complex, Mykolajenko's engineering knowledge was beyond comparison. He designed and constructed a large amount of the technical equipment in the engineering labs. Mykolajenko was innovative and made it possible for U-M-Flint to have research equipment that is the envy of many colleagues at other institutions.
Students, faculty and staff all have benefited from Mykolajenko's work. A Foucault pendulum, carbon-60/carbon nanotubes production chamber, a resistance furnace, assorted vacuum fittings, low temperature cryostats, spark-timers, various electronic apparatus, and heads for a solid-state laser are examples of projects that he constructed in the physics and engineering labs. Most of Mykolajenko's designs turned out to be better and less expensive than the original, which saved the University thousands of dollars.
"Bill was a mechanical, electrical genius who was able to build scientific equipment with leftover parts, that did amazing things," says Larry Kugler, professor of mathematics and former dean of CAS.
Mykolajenko's value was revealed widely in 1997 when he retired. For about one year a replacement was sought but only dead ends were found. "We found it would take three individuals to do what (Bill) did for us," Vaziri says.
Mykolajenko returned in 1998 as the University's only active retired employee.
Although his knowledge was in engineering, his greatest strength was in helping others. Whether it was fixing a color-mixing box for the Psychology Department 30 minutes before class began, or helping build a plinth table for a co-worker's son who has motor delays, Mykolajenko always was willing and ready.
He was especially instrumental with student projects. At any time, Mykolajenko would help students locate the right parts, build a design and advise them on construction.
In 2002 he was named winner of the annual Margaret Rogers Award for Excellence, which recognizes outstanding performance of an individual in CAS. Until the time of his death, he remained involved in several projects and was looking forward to many more years at U-M-Flint.
"He was a wonderful man and an irreplaceable asset to U-M-Flint," Kugler says.
Paul Pintrich
Paul Pintrich, professor of education and psychology and chair of the Combined Program in Education and Psychology, born Nov. 4, 1953, in Wilmington, Mass., to Paul and Teresa (Prescott) Pintrich. He died July 8, 2003 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Gebhardt was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in July 2002 and had been on leave from her position since then.
She joined the staff of Engineering Administration in January 1990 and quickly demonstrated her financial management skills. She became an expert on graduate student appointment issues and then on the broader range of financial support for research activities in the college.
Gebhardt managed CoE's cost-sharing and research incentive funds and served as a key support person for CoE's associate dean for research. In this capacity she interacted with a broad spectrum of CoE faculty and staff, and with central staff in financial operations and research administration. She was a member of the M-Pathways Student Financials Beta Team and served the college on many special assignments, including playing a central role on the team that organized Engineering Administration's move into the Lurie Engineering Center in 1996.
George Carignan, who was associate dean for research and graduate education during much of Gebhardt's tenure with the college, praises her for her technical skills, dependability and pleasant demeanor. Carignan says Gebhardt's work was a major factor in the growth of excellence in the college during the 1990s.
Her colleagues lovingly remember Gebhardt as a warm and caring individual who was a friend, dedicated team member and loving family member. Her love of learning allowed her to embrace new technologies in the workplace. She always was eager to master the latest tools and techniques and to share her knowledge with others. Gebhardt was a devoted family member who took great pleasure in traveling with her husband, Karl, and often shared touching stories about her granddaughter, Emily. Gebhardt had many interests, including sewing and home decorating, and she enjoyed canning fresh vegetables from her garden. Her enthusiasm and friendship will be missed greatly.
Gebhardt, who grew up in Manchester, Mich., is survived by her husband Karl, daughter Michelle, son Jeff, daughter-in-law Laura and her beloved granddaughter Emily. She was a devoted member of the Bethel United Church of Christ. CoE will host a memorial and tree planting service in her honor in early fall.
Herbert Cornish, SPH professor emeritus
Herbert Cornish, professor emeritus of environmental and industrial health at the School of Public Health (SPH), born Sept. 22, 1916, in Fremont, Ohio, and he died Sept. 19, 2003, less than a month short of his 90th birthday. He was associated with the U-M chemical engineering department for 68 years, longer than anybody else.
Brymer was preceded in death by wife Ruth Barrett Williams and sister Eleanor Waski. He is survived by his children: Nancy Mimno, David and Donald and their spouses, as well as seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A 90th birthday luncheon had been planned for Brymer on Homecoming Friday, Oct. 17, but this now becomes a celebration of his life-11:45 a.m. in the Johnson Rooms on the third floor of the North Campus Lurie Engineering Center, with refreshments to follow. Brymer's friends are cordially invited.
Celebration of the Life of G. Brymer Williams
October 17, 2003
We are greatly saddened to tell you that Brymer Williams died early on September 19 at his Ann Arbor retirement home. Brymer was diagnosed with colon cancer in mid August. He was cheerful and still possessed his incredible memory until the very end, but is now at peace.
There will be a celebration of Brymer’s life on October 17 (his 90th birthday), starting at 11:45 AM in the Johnson Rooms on the third floor of the Lurie Engineering Center on the U–M North Campus. Reminiscences of Brymer are expected to continue for no more than an hour, after which we will adjourn to the adjacent Masco Lounge for refreshments. The Johnson Rooms have been reserved until 3 PM for those who may wish to continue to chat informally.
We know that many of you may wish to join in the celebration with an anecdote or two about how Brymer touched your life. We will give all who wish to an opportunity to speak for two or three minutes, depending on the number present.
Visitors needing parking should come to the Hubbard/Hayward “Yellow” lot (see North Campus map), preferably about 11:15 AM or soon thereafter. You can obtain a parking sticker for your car from the driver of the U–M van (with a “Memorial Shuttle” sign on the dashboard), who will then take you to the Lurie Center. The map shows extra parking areas in the unlikely event they will be needed. Our van drivers will continue to circulate until at least 11:45 AM. If you wish to come to North Campus before 11:15 AM, please tell us ASAP and we will mail you a parking sticker. The vans will also be available to return you to your cars. (Ann Arbor map for our out-of-town visitors)
In the event you are delayed or need more information, please telephone the department, 734-764-7368 or 734-764-7413. For those of you with access to the Web, please check for any latest details.
Brymer was the heart and soul of the Chemical Engineering Department for an incredible 68 years. We look forward to seeing you and to reminisce about his life.
