Dear Members of the Colgate Community,
With deep sadness, we share the passing of Malcolm Pownall, Professor of Mathematics, who passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at his daughter’s home in South Carolina, surrounded by his family.
Born in 1933 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Professor Pownall earned his Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University in 1954, followed by a Doctorate in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1960.
Malcolm devoted his career to teaching mathematics at Colgate, joining the faculty as an instructor of mathematics in 1959. He was promoted to assistant professor in 1961, to associate professor in 1965, and became a full professor in 1971. He also served as department chairperson on multiple occasions, providing steadfast leadership and mentorship to colleagues and students alike. During this time, he played a significant role in advancing mathematics education, publishing several textbooks and serving as Executive Director (1966–68) and Chairman (1969–83) of the Mathematics Association of America.
Professor Pownall was the recipient of the Sidney J. and Florence Felten French Teaching Award in 1994, recognizing excellence in inspirational teaching. His teaching was further honored through the establishment of The William E. Mastrocola and Malcolm W. Pownall Endowed Scholarship for students of mathematics, which was founded in 2017 by a former student. After an accomplished career, Malcolm retired from his tenure-stream position in 1995 but remained deeply connected to the academic community.
Mathematics shaped his personal as well as his professional life. On June 3, 1961, Malcolm married the love of his life, Gertrude Decker, whom he met as a colleague at Colgate’s Math Summer Institute. Gertrude was hired by the Math Department, where they shared a unique intellectual bond, often working side by side in their shared office "up on the hill." Their nearly 60-year marriage was filled with love for their family, travel, and cherished time with their 13 grandchildren, who are spread across the world. Gertrude passed away in 2020, leaving a profound void in Malcolm’s life.
Professor Pownall’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, dedication to teaching, and a profound commitment to his students and colleagues. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know and learn from him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, followed by interment at the Colgate University Cemetery. Friends may call at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home in Hamilton on Sunday, May 11, from 4–7 p.m., with the Rosary being recited at 3:45 p.m. Contributions in Malcolm’s memory may be made to the Macular Degeneration Association (macularhope.org) or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research (Michaeljfox.org).
May Malcolm’s memory be a blessing.
Lesleigh
Lesleigh Cushing
Provost and Dean of the Faculty