Jerome M Ziegler

Ziegler, Jerome M.

Ithaca: Jerome M. Ziegler, former Cornell dean and professor, died on May 3, 2012 at the age of 88. Ziegler was born October 25, 1923 in New York City. He attended the Dalton School and Andover Academy before enrolling at the University of Chicago. He served in the US Navy as Ensign and returned to Chicago to earn a Master's degree in political science and anthropology in 1948. Ziegler was motivated in all things by a spirit of learning and a commitment to public engagement. He was a resolute proponent of social justice and a great believer in the possibilities for international understanding. These goals shaped all aspects of his professional life and career. He was an automotive worker, a Marshall Plan analyst, specialist in adult education, consultant in urban affairs, university administrator, and a teacher. To all of these settings Ziegler brought his believe that people could improve their lives through examining the world and learning from one another. Much of his career centered on education for disadvantaged groups, prisoners, poor communities, and others who most needed access to good educational resources. As dean at Cornell, Ziegler led the College of Human Ecology from 1978 to 1988 as it built upon the legacy of home economics and broadened its mission to multidisciplinary research and outreach. After stepping down as dean, Ziegler pursued his teaching and research in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management. He was also a founding member of the faculty for the Cornell Institute of Public Affairs. Throughout his years at Cornell, Ziegler remained first and foremost a teacher and an advocate for young people. He was equally happy when building a program with colleagues or leading a seminar with students. When Jerry and his wife of 64 years, Patricia McGraw Ziegler, moved to Ithaca in 1978, they made their home a frequent gathering place for family, beloved friends, colleagues, students, and neighbors. Pat and Jerry were natural community builders in most of the places they had lived. In Ithaca, they found a community that fitted their interests perfectly. Jerry, like Pat, loved the outdoor activities and natural beauty of Ithaca. But Jerry also treasured the music, theater, and cosmopolitanism that only a great university provides. To friends and colleagues, Jerry was known as a gentle man and a person of remarkably broad interests. He loved woodworking, listening to classical music, planting vegetables, and writing poetry. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia; and his brother, Warren, He is survived by his three children, Jerome M. Ziegler III (Kathleen Buchenauer), Sharon Lynn Ziegler, J. Nicholas Ziegler (Margaret Weir); his nephew, David Ziegler (Carmen Ziegler) and daughters Tania and Ana; his niece, Catherine Ziegler; and his nephew, Zachariah Ziegler. Funeral services are private. There will be a public memorial service to be announced at a later date by Cornell University. The family would like to thank all of Jerry's friends and colleagues, physicians and home aides who helped make his last few years as engaged as he wanted them to be. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the J.M. Ziegler Scholarship Fund in the College of Human Ecology or to the Jerry Ziegler Fellowship in the CIPA Institute of Public Affairs, both at Cornell University. Bangs Funeral Home will be assisting the family.