UD Mourns Passing of Political Science Professor
(Photo Courtesy of James Tong)
James Tong | Opinions Editor
Dr. Jaro Bilocerkowycz, a beloved member of the UD community, passed away on Sept. 5 at the age of 72.
Often called Dr. Bilo by students, the political science professor was passionate and generous to both students and faculty members. Multiple students have said that they took his course not because it was a requirement, but because of the positive things others have said about him as a professor.
“I only had one class with Dr. Bilo, a European politics course,” said senior Alexander Nguyen. “Despite that, he managed to have an impact on my life. When he encouraged me to go to DC, with the Dayton2DC program, I didn’t know such a decision would help me decide my future career. He was a very insightful man who was passionate about what he taught, never long without a smile on his face. He will be missed.”
A distinguished scholar on Russia, Ukraine and Poland, Bilocerkowycz wrote a book, numerous Encyclopedia entries and scholarly journal articles. News media would frequently seek him out, especially to explain the war in Ukraine.
Prior to his time at UD, Bilocerkowycz held a bachelor’s degree Eastern Illinois University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Washington. From there, he would go on to be appointed as a visiting assistant professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville before he found his home at UD.
He began teaching courses at UD in 1985, where he regularly taught courses that covered international relations, European politics and society, US national security, and more. He also worked closely with the Honors Program and International Studies Program as an invaluable member of the ladder. He was amongst the earliest members of the International Studies Program and contributed to the establishment of the initial Center for International Studies in the late 1980s.
On top of that, Bilocerkowycz took part in early efforts in developing a human rights program at UD. One thing that he was known for was his support for the students and desire for them to succeed.
Political science lecturer and former Bilocerkowycz’s former student, Dr. Susan Weaver, said this about her late peer and teacher:
“Dr. Bilo was one of the kindest people I’ve ever encountered in my life, and he was genuinely invested in the successes of his students. As an undergraduate student I really enjoyed his classes, the subject matter was interesting, and his delivery was structured in such a stable, predictable way. You had to read, you had to do the work, but there were no surprises, no unexpected hurdles to overcome, which was incredibly reassuring.
Even when life threw me a curve ball and I had a baby in the middle of a semester, Jaro was so kind, so gracious, and so welcoming of this huge change in my life and its impact on my engagement in his course. Where some professors were unwilling to work with me and my unconventional situation, Jaro didn’t bat an eye, he treated me the same as every other student. I was pleasantly surprised that even when I was no longer his student, he remained interested in my personal and professional life, consistently cheering me on.
When I completed my PhD in 2021 and became a full time faculty member in the [political science] department the way he celebrated my success absolutely floored me. He never missed a chance to look me in the eye and say ‘hello doctor’ with a tip of his head and a twinkle in his eye. He was so proud of me. Working with him these past few years has been a welcome, joyful experience.”
A small memorial is set up on the second floor of St. Joseph Hall outside room 233 as pictured above.