The Cardinal Stritch University family is mourning the loss of longtime professor Dr. Peter Jonas who was beloved by his students and colleagues. Peter's obituary can be read at this link. 

Stritch Interim President Dr. Dan Scholz shared this message on April 23, 2021:

The Cardinal Stritch University family has lost one of our most respected, recognized and beloved members. I am so sorry to share the terrible news that Dr. Peter Jonas, a research and statistics professor in our doctoral leadership program, died unexpectedly Thursday, April 22.

Peter served in a number of roles during his remarkable 41 years at Stritch. In addition to shaping the lives of thousands of students as a professor, he was an associate dean in the College of Business, director of institutional research, and coordinator of strategic planning and assessment. Peter worked with colleagues to design and launch the University’s renowned doctoral program in 1998. The program helped define the University as a leader in advanced degree education and the acclaimed Summer Institute provides a transformative experience for students. He also played an essential role in Stritch’s accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, facilitated several strategic planning initiatives, and was a mentor to many faculty and staff members.

Peter’s impact was felt beyond our campus. He served as an HLC Peer Reviewer, visiting countless colleges and universities around the country. Peter was a nationally-respected author and presenter on the topic of transforming learning through humor. He was synonymous with Stritch and proudly represented the University throughout Wisconsin, the Midwest and the U.S.

Just Wednesday he posted this on his LinkedIn page –

Mark Twain said that “Humour is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations, and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” Humour in the workplace can also be both career-enhancing and a powerful social intelligence tool. An oft-cited Robert Half survey found that “91 percent of executives believe a sense of humour is important for career advancement, while 84 percent feel that people with a good sense of humour do a better job.” Remember, everyone brings joy to the office -- some when they enter and some when they leave.

Peter definitely brought joy to the office, classroom, campus and every meeting and interaction he was a part of. He lived out our Franciscan values daily and truly was a “nice guy.”

Peter loved Cardinal Stritch University and was committed to doing everything and anything asked of him to serve our University, students and alumni and his colleagues. I will always be grateful for Peter’s counsel, insight, perspective, humor, and, most importantly, his friendship.

Please keep Peter’s wife, Nancy, and their children and grandchildren in your prayers as they mourn Peter’s death. I know this news will be incredibly difficult to comprehend. The WorkLife Employee Assistance Program is available for all faculty and staff members. Detailed information can be found on My Stritch. Staff members in Counseling Services are available for students. We will share additional details as they are available.

Eternal rest grant unto Peter, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.