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JOHN HYLAND Obituary
The President, Trustees and community of Teachers College, Columbia University mourn the loss of our beloved friend and truly exceptional Trustee leader Jack Hyland. For 30 years as a Trustee and the last 14 as Board Co-Chair, Jack played a leading role in strengthening Teachers College's reputation and impact as the preeminent graduate school of education, health and psychology. With a steady hand, unfailing sense of humor, and ability to convene great minds, Jack helped to lead the Board through two presidential searches and two historic fundraising campaigns. More recently, Jack was the Board's driving force in strategic innovation: He championed the College's push into digital education and financial literacy education, as well as its efforts to be at the forefront of education technology research and practice. Jack was a true Renaissance man: With a background in theoretical physics, he became a successful investment banking executive and media advisor, a celebrated author of two critically acclaimed books (with a third to be published soon), a professional photographer, art enthusiast and landscape connoisseur. Yet Teachers College benefited most of all from Jack's unparalleled skills as a master builder of relationships. He excelled not only at infusing each board member with his passion for education and love of TC, but also at creating deep bonds of camaraderie and understanding that brought out the best in everyone. Jack loved Teachers College. Like a proud parent, he never tired of bragging, "TC is the oldest, largest, and best graduate school of education -- by far." And Teachers College loved Jack back, awarding him its highest honor for a non-educator: the Cleveland E. Dodge Medal for Distinguished Service to Education. On that occasion last year, Jack quoted George Bernard Shaw: "We have a splendid torch, which we have got hold of for the moment, and we want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it to future generations." No one made that torch burn more brightly than Jack himself. We offer our condolences to his partner, Larry Wente; to his former wife, Karen Conant Hyland; to his children, Liza, Jonathan and Susannah, and grandchildren; and to so many others whose lives he touched. A celebration of the life of Jack Hyland will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017, at 6:00pm in the Joyce B. Cowin Auditorium at Teachers College, Columbia University on Broadway between 120th and 121st Sts. At the request of his family, donations in Jack's name can be made to Teachers College, Columbia University. Please Contact Linda Colquhoun at 212-678-3679, or [email protected]. Susan Fuhrman, President, William D. Rueckert, Co-Chair
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN HYLAND
Eduardo Marti
August 8, 2024
He was a good and visionary man. I was privileged to serve with him.
Lucy Calkins
August 23, 2017
Like so many faculty members at TC, I knew Jack as a quiet advisor and a constant supporter. He was always ready to offer a warm, kind bit of encouragement, to ask for my insights about the College, and of course to share enthusiasm for two grand institutions: Teachers College and Williams College. How grateful I am for his presence in my life and for his deep love for these two great schools. I know his legacy will live on in the work we all do.
Eduardo Marti
August 18, 2017
Teachers College lost a good friend, supporter, leader. He left the College in much better shape than he found it. His warm personality, quick wit, and keen intellect will be forever remembered by those individuals with whom he served. He guided the Board in a collegial manner. He became a dear friend. I will miss him.
My condolences to his partner in life and his family. His work is done but his memory will linger forever.
Vicki Saltzman
August 18, 2017
Jack was a valued member of the Clark Art Institute's Board of Trustees and was keenly committed to the growth of the Institute. Personally, he was the first of our trustees that I ever met, and was always so kind, generous, and thoughtful. My deepest sympathy to all who loved him, learned from him, and benefited from his guidance.
Geoff Morton
August 17, 2017
My sincere condolences to all who knew Jack, especially Larry and Jack's other family .I was Jack's college roommate and fraternity brother and enjoyed his great sense of humor, his amazing intellect and his loyal friendship. Jack was very bright and highly motivated but he was also fun and did not take himself too seriously.
He was modest despite his many successes on many fronts. He was a true Renaissance Man with many interests and talents. He service to Columbia TC and The Clark Art Institute were done with great interest and devotion. He leaves a huge hole but many smiles from all who knew and enjoyed knowing such a remarkable person.
I once asked him when he was going to retire. He quickly answered "Never"! He still had much to do.
My prayers are for his family and all who knew and miss him and that his many accomplishments are remembered and live on. He leaves a huge footprint. R.I.P. Jack you were truly one in a million.
Kathy Morris
August 16, 2017
I was very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I knew him as a board member of the Clark Art Institute, where I work. Jack was a dedicated and ideal trustee, bringing so much wisdom and talent to board discussions. I will remember his lively sense of humor and great range of interests. My condolences to Larry and the rest of Jack's family - he will be sadly missed.
Harold Levy
August 15, 2017
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation will miss Jack's wise counsel, generous disposition and persuasive manner. Although he was a counselor to the Board for a mere 3 years, he quickly became an important part of the debate. He will be sorely missed.
Ande Rooney
August 15, 2017
Dear Larry and family,
Peter and I were saddened to hear of your loss - Jack was beyond special! His gracious, yet direct, manner was not only charming but endearing, his knowledge deep, his advice always appreciated!....and his humor infectious! Although we only knew him briefly, his involvement in our "Larry House" was complete from concept to the out-of-the-ground masterpiece! We will miss his creative and constructive critiques of house and gardens, his knowledge of plant material, landscape design and opinions on most everything!
When we think of jack the following words/phrases come to mind... compassion, love, laughter, commitment, energy, gardening lore, friendship and encouragement! Jack will be missed on many levels....
Our heartfelt support to you all in your healing journey...
Ande and Peter Rooney
Ulster Park, NY
August 15, 2017
Condolences are extended to the family and friends at this sad time. May God bless and comfort grieving ones, and may the hope held out at Hos :13:14 make it easier to bear your loss.
Michael Conforti
August 14, 2017
So many organizations benefited from Jack's commitment, wisdom and expertise. The Clark Art Institute, where Jack served as vice-president of the Board for many years, was lucky to be among them. I benefited immensely from his sound advice and support over the more then 20 years in which I served as director and he as a trustee and was fortunate that this support and friendship continued after I retired. I will miss our conversations, rambles that ranged from arts and academia to politics in all of its forms. Fun they were! I send condolences to Larry and Karen and other members of his family. I am among the many who will miss Jack, a very special person.
Tony Hoyt
August 14, 2017
How very sad to read about Jack's death this morning. He was just such a very special man......gentle, kind, generous and with the best, wicked sense of humor. My deepest sympathies and love to Larry, Casey, Liza, Jonathan and Susannah. He will be missed by all of us who were lucky enough to have been touched by him through the years. RIP, my friend!
Mark Holdreith
August 14, 2017
To Larry and all the Hyland family...Prayers have been with Jack through his struggles these last months and now will be for you all ...that with time and loved ones you will find peace. Sympathies...Mark Holdreith
Susan Ball
August 14, 2017
I am so, so sorry to learn of the death of Jack Hyland. He and I started at the same time at the College Art Association--I as Executive Director for 20 years and he as Treasurer, who continued his exemplary service after I left. He was always a steadfast supporter, brilliant financial adviser, gentle critic, and loyal friend. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to Larry and his family.
August 14, 2017
To the Hyland Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
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