It is with deep sadness that the School shares the news that Jacques “Jack” Gansler, professor emeritus, passed away peacefully yesterday morning at his home in McLean, VA.
Jack served many roles at the University of Maryland. He joined the University in 2001, after serving as the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics, as the first holder of the Roger C. Lipitz chair in public policy and private enterprise and the founding director of the Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise. During his tenure at the University, he served as interim dean of the School of Public Policy and as the University's vice president for research.
At the University Jack had two driving passions. He loved to teach and interact with the School's students; he always made time for the students, in the classroom and out. As an author and researcher, Jack focused all his attention on national security, striving to ensure the nation had a world class and affordable defense industrial base.
The Gansler family has been overwhelmed with the love and support that has been pouring in over the past month, including a number of home visits from our SPP family. As arrangements for a service honoring Jack’s life are finalized, we will share additional information.
The family has asked that instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Jacques S. Gansler Fund to celebrate and continue Jack’s significant legacy. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the University of Maryland Memorial Chapel.