UW-Green Bay mourns the loss of Prof. Leander Schwartz
Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Leander Schwartz passed away in April of 2024.
Described by his colleagues as someone who was “…dependable and responsible, [he was a] faculty member whose advice was sought out regularly.”
According to his obituary, upon completion of his PhD degree, Leander Schwartz took a position as a professor of Botany at UW-Fox Valley campus where he was awarded “teacher of the year”, and soon after, was appointed Dean of the campus (1969-1972). In 1965, the new four year University of Wisconsin-Green Bay was being established and he decided he would like to become part of its development. He left Fox Valley and joined UW-Green Bay as a professor in Science and Environmental Change, primarily teaching in Biology in 1972. His career at UW-Green Bay included two terms as Chair of Biology 1972-1975 and 1989-1992. He taught classes that stimulated his interest in Waste Management. He had his students work with him in conducting projects for the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, Green Bay Packerland Packing, Wisconsin Public Service as well as the pharmaceutical company, Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago. He and three other professors collaborated writing and publishing a book, ‘Waste Management-Resource Recovery’. Schwartz received the UW-Green Bay Award for Excellence in Institutional Development in 1996 and also served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs from 1982 to 1988.
During his tenure, he was a part of many elected and appointed UW-Green Bay committees including the University Committee, UW-Green Bay Faculty Senate, the Graduate Faculty Board of Advisors and the General Education Council. He was a very active researcher and his work not only strengthened the University’s Graduate Studies program, but also helped to secure thousands of dollars in grants for furthering opportunities for students to learn.
A memorial gathering and funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 23 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Green Bay. Online condolences are welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Vincent de Paul and/or the UW-Green Bay Scholarship Fund.
Read the full obituary here.
