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Br. Andrew Winka, F.S.C.

Br. Andrew Winka, F.S.C.
1944-2008

Br. Andrew was born in Hoboken, NJ and grew up in West New York, NJ. He attended St. Joseph of the Palisades High School, a school run by the Brothers. Br. Andrew first came to Manhattan College in 1974 as a graduate student in the Environmental Science and Engineering program. He returned after obtaining his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 1985 to direct the Graduate Environmental Engineering and Science lab. He returned to Manhattan College again in 2005 to teach in the Chemistry department. Br. Andrew passed away on September 30, 2008. Read

Educational Background:
B.A. Chemistry, The Catholic University of America, 1968
M.A. Chemistry, State University College of New York at Buffalo, 1972
M.S. Environmental Engineering and Science, Manhattan College, 1976
Ph.D. Environmental Chemistry, Rutgers University, 1986

Area of Expertise:
Environmental Chemistry – water and air pollution

On becoming a Christian Brother:
When I was a young man in high school, I knew I wanted to teach and serve others.

On meaningful experiences in teaching:
When you teach a student and they see it – when they understand!

What has been a meaningful life experience for you outside of teaching?
Seeing the natural and architectural beauty of Rice Terrace of Philippines and of the Taj Mahal.

Which place has had the most impact on your life as a Brother?
Bethlehem University – in the Middle East outside of Jerusalem

On his greatest contribution to the College:
Teaching young people chemistry!

On the future of the College:
I hope we have a Brother President. I think it’s important for the spirit and direction of the institution.

Career at Manhattan:
Associate Professor, Manhattan College, Environmental Chemistry, 2005 –
Manhattan College, Director of Graduate Environmental Eng. and Science lab, 1985-88
Manhattan College, graduate student, researcher, and teacher, 1974-1976

Br. Andrew returned to Manhattan College to teach in the chemistry department after teaching at four other Lasallian colleges. He taught chemistry at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL (2000-2005), the College of Santa Fe, NM (1994-2000), Bethlehem University, Palestine (1988-1994) and De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines (1977-80). While at Bethlehem University, Br. Andrew served as a consultant on various local problems in the West Bank relating to drinking water, wastewater, and soil. Before moving to teaching at the college level, Br. Andrew spent almost ten years teaching science at high schools in Buffalo, Santa Fe, and Lincroft, NJ. He is the author of several scientific papers and one book in the field of Environmental Chemistry. He has also received several prestigious research grants.