BY Jack Walsworth
VN NEWS EDITOR
The University of Detroit Mercy lost one of its well-known professors over the holiday break.
Dr. Michael Witkowski died on Jan. 1 from complications due to cancer.
He was 60 years old.
Witkowski, a professor of criminal justice, had planned on teaching this semester.
In addition to criminal justice, Witkowski also taught human services and legal administration. He also administered the master’s in security administration program.
Prior to joining UDM in 1992, Witkowski worked more than 17 years with the security department at Ford Motor Company.
According to UDM, he encouraged a community-service component for his students in conjunction with the Service Leadership Institute. He was also a frequent media guest on security and criminal justice issues.
A father of five, Witkowski was held in high regard by students and was a fan of the basketball team.
His funeral was held on campus at the St. Ignatius Chapel on Jan. 5.