Honoring Professor Ted de Winter
The College of Engineering has created the Endowed Theo de Winter Distinguished Faculty Fellowship. The holder of this fellowship will be a faculty member at mid-career who has had an extraordinary impact on students through both teaching and mentoring. These discretionary funds can be used for research or teaching initiatives and goals. The Theo de Winter Distinguished Faculty Fellow will receive for five years an annual stipend derived from a portion of the income from the nearly $600,000 we have raised from so many generous alumni so far. After five years, we will solicit nominations for the next holder of the Theo de Winter Distinguished Faculty Fellowship. Over time, many generations of leading educators will have been honored by his name.
Ted de Winter is the most senior member of the College of Engineering’s faculty, with more than 50 years of teaching experience. Alumni from every generation and discipline in the College recall him with great fondness for the impact he has had on their lives, either through Manufacturing Engineering and Senior Design courses or his famous Engineering Economy course. The latter was taken by an extraordinary number of alumni and in many instances was the only exposure they had as undergraduates as to how the business side of product development works. Ted has had a deep devotion to working with students individually and in groups to help prepare them for the real world. He emphasized superb engineering skills with an array of professional and personal attributes to help them navigate life in general. He cared about insuring our students led fulfilling and successful lives and could impact society along the entire way.
During my tenure as Dean no one faculty member is recalled by more alumni wherever my travels may take me. Ted taught great engineering and taught great life skills and values.
The College started as a small undergraduate program, much of it at Logan Airport. It is remarkable that Ted de Winter’s teaching, advising and mentoring remained relevant and of high impact during the extraordinary changes the College has made since then.
Honoring Ted with this Faculty Fellowship named after him will insure that our very best faculty at teaching and student mentoring will forever be recognized as fulfilling the legacy and values of our dear colleague, Ted de Winter.
When we announced establishment of the Theo de Winter Distinguished Faculty Fellowship Fund shortly after Ted stepped away from teaching in the spring, the response from alumni was immediate and impressive. While the fund has attained its initial goal of creating the fellowship, more can be done. If we raise additional funds the next goal is to convert the Distinguished Faculty Fellowship to the Theo de Winter Career Development Professorship (minimum required $1.25M), and our ultimate goal would be to convert to the Theo de Winter Full Professorship (minimum required $2.5M).
I invite all Engineering alumni to participate in honoring Professor Ted de Winter via donations to the Theo de Winter Distinguished Faculty Fellowship Fund. Gifts of all levels are welcome.
And, if you are one of Ted’s thousands of former students, you can let Ted know the impact he’s had on your life and career by writing your stories and memories on this webpage.
Sincere thanks for your consideration and interest. I know Ted would be touched by your generosity and thoughts and hopefully that so many wanted to help honor him.
Kenneth R. Lutchen
Dean, College of Engineering
For additional information, or if you would like to be a lead supporter with a multi-year pledge, please contact Lisa Drake, Assistant Dean for Development and Alumni Relations, at lfdrake@bu.edu.
Please use the form below to share a message with Professor de Winter.
This page will be updated with the messages as they come in.
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Dear Professor DeWinter, I will tell you simply that I enjoyed your class, your company, and your support while at BU. You were a welcome relief and a change to my other classes and made a challenging year more bearable. Thank you for all you do and did. All the best,
Claudia Arango, ENG ’92
<brstyle:”clear:both;”/>Professor de Winter believed in me from the beginning and continued to fight and advocate for me my entire tenure at BU. He fought for me to stay in Engineering, he worked with me to create a career path that was meaningful to me, and guided me throughout my 4 years at BU (and beyond). His love of coconut patties from Florida always remind me of him, especially as I always brought them back from vacation to surprise him. Because of Professor de Winter’s support and guidance, I am the engineer and CEO I am today. I helped to develop the 3D mammography medical device at Hologic and successfully launched over 10 other medical devices into the world at several companies; I am the President of a successful consulting firm in operation for over 5 years, Fayer Consulting LLC; I am the founder and CEO of the global non-profit HERHealthEQ changing the lives of women around the world; and have recently delivered a TEDxTalk titled “How to ensure social enterprises have an impact”. None of this would be possible without the support from Professor de Winter and I am eternally grateful. Because of you, tens of thousands (and one day millions) of women’s lives will be improved because of the support you gave to me. Your impact is felt around the world.
Marissa Fayer, ENG ’00
Professor, You may not remember me, but I’ll never forget you. I graduated in 1996 (roommate was Cyrus Buhari), but I still talk to coworkers at Pratt and Whitney about your classes and inspiring lessons. You had a lasting impression on me and many others over the years. Your teaching technique and personality are the best there is. I fondly remember our weekly lunches with you and the engineers living in The Towers. We’d sometimes go to Burger King and talk about everything and anything….and you had the best jokes! Anyway, congratulations on a fantastic and inspirational career! “de Winter for congress” ….I still have the magnet. Praying for your health and wellness.
James Wesoly, ENG ’96
My late husband John always spoke of Professor deWinter with great fondness. It was because of him that he was allowed a great education in engineering at BU, which allowed him to reach his dream of owning his own business. He was more than a Professor to him.
John Mroszczyk, ENG ’77
Fifty (50) years have come and gone since I graduated and… I remember Professor Theo A. de Winter ! His teachings, his constant smile, his warmth, his conversations with me in Spanish… It takes a very special kind of person and professor to be remembered like this.
Michel J Haftel, ENG ’69
Dr. de Winter used to meet my roommate James Wesoly and I for lunch once a week to discuss how things were going and to offer his assistance as a mentor. Those lunches were something I looked forward to every week during my time at BU. His sense of humor and his dedication to the school and teaching left a lasting impression on me.
Cyrus Buhari, ENG ’96
Professor de Winter was my Freshman advisor, he’d often have lunch with several of us from my Engineering Floor (shout out to Towers 4W) and share stories and wisdom that everyone valued and enjoyed, yes even to a bunch of freshman he could relate and make the conversation engaging. Bottom line, he made my experience at the BU College of Engineering fun while still imparting wisdom which helped me stick through all those hours of studying and in the end I look back at those times and smile.
Paul Kaler, ENG ’96
Prof de Winter, Thanks for your inspiration, wit and spirit of entrepreneurship. You gave me vision to the business aspect of engineering! Thanks Vlad
Vlad Rozanovich, ENG ’96
Prof. de Winter’s Engineering Economics course was probably the most fun, practical, and enjoyable course I took during my time at BU. His sense of humor and sarcasm was surpassed by no other. My favorite quote, to which this day I still share: “I only drink when I am alone or with somebody” – classic! Thank you Prof. de Winter! I am fortunate to have taken your class and met you in person. My best to you , and I wish you nothing but continued success and health!
Joaquin Hernandez, ENG ’96
You were the one professor who taught me that an engineering major did not have to sit in a lab and be an engineer. My career spanned marketing, management, investment banking, Entrepreneur in two start-ups, strategy consulting and now interior design. I owe much of this journey to the the real and practical insights that I gained from you at BU all those years ago. Thank you from the center of my heart.
Donna Fedor, ENG ’88
“I don’t mince words. Do what you think you’re supposed to be doing and then figure it out.” – sage advice I received in freshman year. Thank you, teacher.
Valmeek Kudesia, BME ’04, ENGMEDIC ’08
It’s hard to pick just one Professor de Winter story or moment to share. I was lucky enough to have him as my adviser, which guaranteed me at least one good sit down, advice filled session per semester. I would have spoken with him more often, but whenever I went by his office it was already full of other students. I remember his campaign when he ran for the US Senate. Walking the entire length of the State of New Hampshire. I can’t remember how many times he said it, but he preached that we all should update our resumes every six months, and always be ready for change. A few years ago I was able to spend some time with him at Prof. Ebner’s 50th wedding anniversary party. Having access to these Professors has helped me tremendously over the years. But my favorite Ted de Winter story is probably the story of his life, including his account of growing up in occupied Holland during WWII. From challenging beginnings he came as an immigrant to this country and made a huge impact on so many lives.
James Bowes, ENG’91, ’95
Professor de Winter is a living legend and I am incredibly thankful for him. He forever changed my life as an engineer not only through his informative and inspirational teachings but by being a person who genuinely cared about my well being. His smile and unconditional compassion still stick with me 30+ years later.
Tye Brady, ENG’90
Professor de Winter gave me some simple advice that has helped me in my career and my life. And that is when you make what you consider a good deal, then just because a better deal may come along later, it doesn’t make your deal a bad deal. That, and an understanding of dimensional analysis! Thank you sir!
Phil Brodsky, ENG’75
It’s hard for people to realize how difficult the home exams were in Engineering Economy. And at the same time so extremely educative, in multiple ways. Professor de Winter, you are a legend. Thank you for all the life lessons you gave us with your teaching and personality.
Vassilis Zapantis, ENG’97
Ted de Winter has been so much more than my professor. He is a mentor, a friend and a role model who pushed me to appreciate not only the intricacies of a core engineering discipline, but also its broader reach and societal impact. His example influenced the mental model I formed as an undergrad and upon which I’ve built a successful career. I am forever indebted to him for the many life lessons he has imparted throughout my years in school and thereafter. Congratulations on your retirement, de Winter, and for leaving BU with a legacy many aspire, but few are able, to achieve.
Mike McCullough, ENG’03
Professor DeWinter, You taught me, with strong passion and conviction, during my senior year at BU, that one of THE most important tasks to embark on immediately upon graduation was financial SAVINGS…with compounding interest. You stressed the urgency to commence with this process EARLY in life, whereby the advantage of time (a lifetime’s worth…) to grow investments was on our side. You introduced us to the newly formed tax-deferred retirement vehicles, such as IRAs. I heeded your wise advice, and started purchasing IRA mutual funds my first year out of school, in 1986. Not a single year has gone by since without me investing in this manner, and always remembering your words. I am now 55 years old, and fortunate to have amassed a significant portfolio, funded soled with annual retirement investments through the ensuing 35 years post graduation. I have repeated your words myriad times to others…and remember you and your Engineering Economy class fondly. A few years ago, my brother David (you taught him in the 1970s) and I bumped into you at a BU hockey game in Boston. At that time, I expressed to you my gratitude for your sound advice… Your smile, intelligence, wisdom, and warmth all continue to serve as wonderful memories of my BU engineering days. I thank you once again Professor. You have touched the lives of many…mine is but one small example. Peace to you always.
Mark Tanzi, ENG’86
Professor de Winter has the amazing talent of making his students feel like they are the most important student. It was as if his time spent with you was the most valuable use of his time. I can’t remember a instance when I went to his office and he didn’t invite me in to sit down and chat. I am so grateful for his mentorship, guidance, and the opportunity to learn from him.
Sarah Haas Wren, ENG’07
In the fall of 2003, I sat in front of Professor de Winter as he suggested that I join the manufacturing program, noting that “it would be a good fit for my personality,” and that “I probably wouldn’t have as much fun with that electrical stuff anyway [subtle laughs].” I’m paraphrasing here, but by the end of my first semester at BU, I declared for MFG and never looked back… In the fall of 2007, again I sat with Professor de Winter as he looked over my job offer for GE Aviation’s OMLP program. He made short work of the conversation, advising me to take the offer and “enjoy the rest of my final semester with that out of the way,” and then added “while everyone else fusses over the career fairs to figure out where they’ll end up.” Once more I’m paraphrasing, but I’ve been working in aerospace manufacturing ever since… What happened in between those two interactions is what made me stick to my path, and it wasn’t an innate love of manufacturing engineering. Professor de Winter has a gift for providing context to what you are learning. I don’t mean an engineering application for a math equation, but real-life context for how an engineer should engage with people, communicate their thoughts, present themselves, and how to react and respond to complex (and often bureaucratic) situations in the workplace. Professor de Winter has a gift for seeing the high-level picture of things, and then giving clear and confident advice to those whom need to hear it. As I’ve grown throughout my own career, I’ve learned this is one of the most difficult things to master as a leader. Professor de Winter prepared me for real life, something that just doesn’t come out of a book.
John E. Battle, MFG ’08
Professor de Winter really brought engineering to life. His lectures were a step above the rest. But his warmth and engagement with the students were really something special. His support had a profound effect on my entire undergraduate experience.
Ross Kenyon, ENG ’04
On the first day of Ted’s Engineering Design course, he asked the class for the best idea for hanging a picture on a wall. We all took our turns trying to impress the hell out of him and proceeded with a string of elaborate, highly-complex original thinking involving cantilevers, pulleys, etc. After the last ridiculous suggestion was made, Ted calmly said, “Well, if I were to do it, I’d take a nail and go WHACK with a hammer and hang the darn picture.” This was my introduction to the concept of KISS. Keep It Simple, Stupid. It’s a concept that has stuck with me all my life in so many ways and venues. Thank you, Ted for such a wonderful (and simple) life lesson.
Richard Heilman, ENG ’72
I will forever be grateful for the exposure to Dr. de winter. As a kidney specialist now, I have maintained entrepreneurial spirit which has fueled my success. I learned much about the business side of engineering in his classes. All the best.
Andrew Lazar, BME ’89
Professor de Winter, I always looked forward to your class, Engineering Economics as it opened up my eyes to all the ways engineering could be applied to the business world. Now looking back 18 years later, I can say it certainly influenced my career decisions. Thank you for bringing your energy, humor and knowledge to the classroom every day – you have touched many students through the years!
Kerry Twibell, ENG ’00
Dear Professor De Winter, Thank you for the encouragement, challenges, and the experience to work in your lab. You made engineering real and applicable from the beginning. Thank you for being interested in your students, and helping them learn and develop their talents, That is what a true teacher is- With warmest regards,
Sue Pickett, ENG ’93
Dear Ted, although I was a student of yours -of sorts, simply on a broader scale – i.e., life, I would like to send you my sincere congratulation on receiving this recognition-and high honor from everyone whose life you’ve touched. I agree it is deeply deserved. I would Love to hear back from you. Even if most briefly, I was saddened to hear that you have not been well, and hope that in the interim you may be feeling better already.
Affectionately, Frauke
Teedeewee!! Hello Ted De Winter! I was honoured to be in your class freshman year. I adored your class, as we all did. My abiding memory is that you supported me in becoming freshman class president, which was a pretty amazing experience and a great way to get to know the university & faculty. Thank you so much for providing such a splash of colour to my freshman year. Your love of teaching shone through, and you should be very proud of your legacy. Lots of love, Marina Adams (Knausenberger) Now living in New Zealand :-)
Marina (Knausenberger), ENG ’93
I will never forget being in Engineering Economics with Prof. DeWinter. It was one of my most memorable classes in college. His guidance in things financial (investing, saving for retirement, etc) helped me to be in the position I am today. I also enjoy seeing him at BU Hockey games (he would sit a couple sections from me) and he would always smile and say Hi. Thank you for all that you gave to your students.
David Miller, ENG ’91, ’94
Congratulations on this lifelong achievement! It was truly a privilege to have had you as my professor for Engineering Economics. By relaying many of your real-life experiences as examples, you made that class not only enjoyable but also inspiring. A tremendous accomplishment considering the subject matter. Thank you and best wishes!
Richard Tom, ENG ’89
Easily one of my favorite professors. Prof. de Winter helped to shape my views on professional life in my Freshman year at BU. I still refer back to him when talking to mentoring others or talking to my co-workers. I took two classes with him but would stop by to visit every now and then during undergrad. I still try to visit when I am in town for work and am saddened that I will not be able to find him when I go there later this year. He made an indelible impression on Engineering Floor 9B (Warren Towers) back in 1991 who took his class in the Fall for Intro to Engineering Design. Get well soon Professor D!
Irving Roman Jr., ENG ’98
I took Professor de Winter’s Engineering Economy class during my senior year. He would say “Engineering Economy is bor-ing, but…” then go on to teach us more on the subject. He took a subject that could have been very boring, but made it very interesting. The fact that I still remember him and this class over 35 years later attests to the fact that it was indeed a very interesting and worthwhile course. I wish him the very best.
Michael Pulliam, ENG ’83
Prof de Winter was the person that had the most impact on me while at BU. He was the one that made us enjoy seeing the business side of engineering and the entrepreneurial dimension. I recall that his classes were the most fun to attend because of the real life stories/experiences that he always shared, but also because he made us think outside the box.
I still remember one of his quotes that I have carried with me and use it throughout my entrepreneurial career “Never think that you are smarter than the rest. The minute you do is the minute that you are dead in business” or something to this effect.
God bless you Prof de Winter for being always there for us inspiring us to be the best we can be and for challenging us to think differently.
Basim ALSAIE ENG, ’88 (from Bahrain)
Professor de Winter’s lectures were some of the most memorable from my years at BU. He spoke with a charisma and cadence that made it impossible to not listen to him. Every class involved a few, if not a dozen, comedic and useful anecdotes. de Winter took a genuine interest in his students; during my years there he took lunch at Myles Standish hall every Thursday just to give students more opportunities to sit with him. Thank you, de Winter!
Ken Hora, ENG ’11
Dear Professor DeWinter,
Thank you for taking a genuine interest in students like myself and making such difference in our lives. College can be a tumultuous time, and the engineering curriculum didn’t make life any easier. You always made a huge university seem small – in the best way. Your classes were the most fun because of the energy you brought. I am so grateful to you (and Stormy) always.
Brigitte Majewski , ENG ’93
Professor de Winter inspired me to become the best engineer I can be. His life story, teaching and just time sharing his insight and knowledge are some of my best experiences as a BU alum and former College of Engineering student. Prof. de Winter, Thank you for all the countless funny, engaging and thought provoking lectures at BU! Congrats on everything, and wish you the best in all your future plans. Saludos desde California, Ray
Raymond Taylor, ENG ’08
Professor de Winter,
First and foremost, congratulations on a fantastic career, you are an amazing man and an even more amazing educator! Back in the fall of 1987 you took time after an evening class of Engineering Economy with me and several of my also outspoken classmates to advise us that we should strongly consider positions in outside technical sales upon graduation. You specifically aided me in securing a sales position with Otis Elevator that I was offered prior to graduation. That advice and that first opportunity shaped my career and my life in ways that I will never be able to thank you for. I have had a rich and fulfilling career in sales, management and am now an executive in a private equity backed firm responsible for M&A. All of those accomplishments are directly attributed to you, your advice and your guidance that evening in 1987. Thank you for going above and beyond.
Tim Riedel, ENG ’88
Professor… It’s been almost 36 years since I graduated, but you are the only professor I still remember today! Your principles, attitude and instruction are the biggest thing I got in my Engineering degree that have stood the test of time that I still use today in my professional and personal lives. ‘People don’t want to know how much you know, until they know how much you care.’ Thank you for the great start you gave me and so many others!
Larry McCreary, ENG ’82
When I first came to BU as an undecided freshmen, I attended classes of different majors to see what I liked. I went to the College of ENG to see if I could go to an engineering class. I was told to go to one of Prof. de Winter’s Introduction to Engineering modules. De Winter’s funny stories and real life anecdotes completely captured my attention. His passion for engineering and problem solving clicked with me, and I finally felt engaged and challenged in a class. That afternoon, I called my mom back in Venezuela and told her about my experience. I told her every detail of the class and how the professor had inspired and challenged me in ways no other class or professor had at the time. She was really excited that I’d found something that I liked and started asking more. My stories started to seem familiar to her. Turns out my mom (ENG’83’84), my uncle (ENG’85) and my dad (Wentworth’85) had all taken classes with De Winter! She then told me her De Winter memories and how he was the perfect, approachable mentor that I needed to make a decision about my major. I met with De Winter multiple times after that and declared engineering as my major shortly after. De Winter not only inspired me to be an engineer but also allowed me to share my BU experience with my family. As a lost freshmen, thousands of miles from home, this was important to me. Thank you De Winter!
Isabella Passaro, ENG ’16
I was a computer systems engineering major, far removed from the manufacturing eng. department where Prof. DeWinter spent most of his time. Still, when I heard about how useful his engineering economics class was, I overloaded my course schedule so I could enroll. This proved to be one of the single most useful courses I took. On top of all of that, Professor DeWinter always took time to answer my questions, mentor me in office hours, even spending TONS of time coaching me on my interviews that year for internships. He was one of the reasons I got the job at Microsoft where I started my career. I always remember Prof. DeWinter as one of the people who constantly reinforced my decision to study engineering. He’a a phenomenal teacher and mentor and I’m so happy to have had the chance to learn from him. Prof. DeWinter, thanks so much for everything!
George Matthews, ENG ’07
It was always hard, in the classroom or anywhere else for that matter, to be funnier than Prof. de Winter. Whether it be one of his brief quips or an elaborate story, it usually elicited a laugh from the crowd. However, for a brief moment in time – ~2min to be precise – I’m proud to say I ‘upped’ him with a quip of my own in the classroom which I remember fondly to this day: One of Prof de Winter’s many pieces of advice he conveyed to his students is, ‘if you’re ever working in a union environment, never ever utter the word ‘strike’ under any circumstance as it’ll result in you having to deal with a world of [insert de Winter colloquialism].’ Well, one day in class a student contributed something during a colorful discussion that elicited a terse response from Prof. de Winter: “NO…in fact, strike that young man’s comments from the record!” I promptly and loudly piped in, “did someone say STRIKE?”. The classroom, including Prof de Winter, erupted in laughter. After class, on my way out, I even got a, “nice one Stone!” from the man himself. Suffice it to say, I was proud! Ted, thank you for mentoring me for 7 years of my life while at BU. Even more importantly, thank you for my foundation of knowledge that is and will continue to serve me well in my career. I only feel bad for those young students today who won’t get to walk into your office and absorb the knowledge and humor you’re so well known for. All the best, Jonathan Stone ENG ‘01
“If you have the best idea in the world but you can’t convince someone to invest in it, or explain to someone how to make it, then it will remain just an idea” – Professor de Winter Words that have stuck with me since freshman year that help me in my career and in life.
Brian Gaudet, ENG ’17
Thank you for always displaying your passion for teaching and mentoring. I send you my best wishes! I hope that you get well soon.
Alejandra Flores, ENG ’18
I first met Professor de Winter my freshman year and found myself in and out of his office for the ten years I lived in Boston. He was the first teacher that made me realize that going to office hours wasn’t only for getting additional help on coursework, but also to just chat about anything from sports to politics to life advice. It was his advice of always taking advantage of employer perks that drove me to come back and get my Master’s while making use of my employer’s tuition assistance. I learned more about investments and 401k contributions in his engineering classes than I have from business courses and lectures. While he won’t be physically teaching at the school anymore, I continue to learn everyday from the lessons he taught me years ago; most importantly that it’s OK to be a Yankees fan in Boston, just don’t broadcast it.
Paul Vizzio, ENG ’10