Dr. Jon W. Mark, a prominent researcher and influential mentor who played a leading role in building the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), died on December 7.
Mark joined Waterloo in 1970 and officially retired in 2001, although he remained an active presence in the department as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus. As a fixture in the Faculty of Engineering for over 40 years, Mark trained, supported and influenced thousands of students and colleagues. From 1984 to 1990 he took on a leadership role as Department Chair. During his tenure the Computer Engineering program was established, this transition was reflected in the department name, which changed to Electrical and Computer Engineering under Mark’s guidance.
As a researcher Mark’s work focused on wireless communications and interdomain networking. In 2000 he received the Canadian Award in Telecommunications Research for significant research contributions, scholarship and leadership in the fields of computer communication networks and wireless communications. At Waterloo he established and was the Director of the Centre for Wireless Communications with the goal of developing a world-class telecommunications research facility.
In acknowledgement of his accomplishments Mark was awarded a life fellowship by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He was also a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. Amongst numerous other accolades, in 2000 Mark received the Award of Merit from the Education Foundation of the Association of Chinese Canadian Professionals. This award was a recognition of the important role he played in supporting a new generation of Chinese Canadian engineers. Sanqi Li (PhD ‘85), a former student, who moved to Waterloo from China in 1980 reflected on how Mark, “always patiently guided me and encouraged me through … lifetime changing moments.”
This legacy of mentorship and care is exemplified by the Jon W. Mark Graduate Scholarship in Communication. This annual award provides $3000 to full-time graduate students in the ECE, continuing a tradition of conscientious support for young researchers within the department.
Through teaching, research and academic leadership Jon W. Mark had a profound influence on the development of Waterloo Engineering and the careers of many leading researchers and entrepreneurs. His impact as a mentor is perhaps best represented in the words of one of his graduate students George Freeman (PhD ‘84), “So how to summarize Jon’s early influence on me? Perhaps the following. Excellence is a choice. The choice may lead to hard work. The result is its own best recognition.”
Jon W. Mark was an influential teacher, researcher and mentor.