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University mourns loss of Chemistry
professor
Andrea Flood ‘03
Dr. Walter W. Zajac Jr., 68, a chemistry
department professor and recipient of the University’s outstanding
faculty research award, died on March 3.
Dr. Zajac joined the faculty of the Villanova Chemistry department in
1959 as an assistant professor. He received his bachelor of science degree
in chemistry from Providence College and his doctorate at the Virginia
Polytechnic Institute. By 1972 he was granted a full professorship from
Villanova. Zajac retired from his position in 2000.
At the University his specialty was organic chemistry, as well as areas
of physical chemistry and biochemistry. He taught courses at both the
undergraduate and graduate levels, the latter which include courses such
as: advanced organic chemistry, organic reactions, and special courses
in heterocyclic chemistry and carbohydrate chemistry.
Dr. Zajac is best known for his research involving the chemistry of nitro
compounds. His extensive research has also resulted in the publication
of 40 papers as well as in the discovery of a novel cleavage reaction.
In 1992 he was the recipient of Villanova’s outstanding faculty
research award for his remarkable contributions to the field of organic
chemistry. He has also served as chair of the Graduate Committee in the
chemistry department as well as on the University Rank and Tenure Committee
and the University Senate.
In addition to his positions at Villanova, he had also served as chair
of the Philadelphia Organic Chemists’ Club and chair of the American
Chemical Society Division of Carbohydrate Chemistry.
Dr. Robert Giuliano of the chemistry department remarked on Zajac’s
prestigious career at Villanova. “He did so much for research at
this University and instilled in his students a real love for research
and respect for ethics.”
Dr. Zajac was a resident of Garden Spot Village in New Holland, Pa. for
the past five years. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Nilan
Zajac; daughters, Marita Sullivan, Amy Hevily and Jenny Cisick; sons Bill,
Robert and John; and eight grandchildren.
Memorial services were held on March 21 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic
Church in New Holland, Pa. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Dr. Zajac’s
memory may be sent to Hospice of Lancaster County Inpatient Facility,
685 Good Dr., POB 4125, Lancaster, Pa 17604.
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