Our Colleagues
Obituaries
Samuel D. “Don” Schack, professor and former chair of the Department of Mathematics, died Feb. 9 after a battle with cancer. He was 57.
Schack joined the UB faculty in 1981 after earning bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.
An expert in the areas of algebra, homology, deformation theory and quantum groups, he served as associate chair of the math department from 1991-97 and chair from 2000-06. As chair, he oversaw the math department’s move from Diefendorf Hall on the South Campus to the new Mathematics Building on the North Campus.
He was named a full professor in 1995.
Schack was active in UB faculty governance, serving on the Faculty Senate from 1991-2006 and as a member of the senate’s Executive Committee from 1999-2001 and 2002-06. He also served on the senate’s Tenure and Privileges Committee, helping to develop the code of conduct for faculty that the full Faculty Senate adopted in 2006.
“He was a thoughtful commentator, critic and—once the proposal was refined and improved—effective supporter of many actions by the senate and its Executive Committee during his service,” noted William H. Baumer, professor of philosophy and longtime member of the Faculty Senate and the FSEC.
He also served for many years on the University Honors Council, a body of faculty, administrators, staff and students who provide advice and counsel on academic matters pertaining to the Honors College. He joined the council in 1997 and served until his death.
A memorial service on campus is planned in the fall.
Donations in Schack’s name may be made to the Martin House Restoration Corporation, Market Arcade, 617 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14203.
Reader Comments