Daniel F. "Dan" Jankowski

Hey dad! I sure hope you are doing well. I miss you very much.

Dr. Jankowski was my professor of fluid mechanics in 1993. He had a profound impact on my life and the students that he taught. While tough, he was always fair and expected the best of his students. When I heard that he was retiring, I sent him an email thanking him for his instruction. I didn't expect a personal response, but Dr. Jankowski wrote back thanking me for the note and then invited me to lunch with him at the faculty restaurant in Old Main - a memory I will always treasure. Dr....

Doctor Jankowski was my partial differential equations & advanced fluid mechanics professor. He opened my eyes on how to solve problems in math, engineering and life. He affected how I conducted myself through my entire career in aerospace engineering. The things he taught me and his example of integrity, helped me influence companies and colleagues, and I believe it saved lives . He was so meticulous, that even today, I can't write a tribute to him without worrying that I might have...

I learned a few weeks' ago with great sadness of Dan Jankowski passing. Dan was already a "known commodity" in the MAE Department of the then ASU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences when I joined the CBME faculty in 1990; he became Associate Dean for Academic Affairs upon George Beakley's retirement. In this job he had many thankless responsibilities (like recruiting faculty to teach freshman engineering courses) but one thing was clear: he was an individual of high standards and...

Dr. Jankowski taught me two semesters of fluid mechanics in the early 90's. These courses were profound experiences, as were my interactions with the man himself. Dr. Jankowski terrified me and he knew it. But he taught me how to think, the meaning of rigor, and he unearthed a determination and capacity for self-reliance I didn't know I had. He then became a friend and an advocate in ways that propelled my life and my career. As a college professor myself, I have referred to my old notes...

Dan Jankowski was a rigorous instructor, dedicated mentor, and generous friend. He inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. and an academic career. As I prepared classnotes, lectured, graded and counseled students, he was my model. His personal integrity and love for family were also inspiring. In times of personal crisis, he provided sage wisdom and encouragement. To Betty, his children and grandchildren, thank you for sharing him.

It is sad to hear passing of Prof J.
He was unique in his style. As a fresh grad student at ASU, I enjoyed the logic and rigor with which he taught MAE571, and now that I am a teacher I try to follow those steps.
May his soul rest in peace.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I met Professor J during a memorable February night in 1984, upon arrival in Tempe for an interview visit. He was the chair of the Faculty Search, and Betty and Professor J graciously hosted my visit. It took a bit of time to get accustomed to his uncharacteristic (my wife says Jankowski style) humor and mischievous smile, but quickly I got to know him well - his noble qualities, including academic rigor as well as unselfish, unassuming and benevolent disposition. He was a great mentor and a...