Paul Ginsberg
July 23, 1924 - April 13, 2015

"I have thought of Paul many times since he left this world. Even though his body is gone his spirit and love still lives on in my life as a teacher and in my personal life. You gave me so much in our 31 years together. You will always be here in my heart."

"IM VERY THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR ME WHEN I WAS A STUDENT AT UW MADISON. YOU HELPED ME THROUGH ALOT OF CHALLENGING TIMES IN MY LIFE I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL RIP"

"As the weeks pass.....I find myself still talking to you! Thank you for listening and giving sound advise through your presence. You are still with me in heart and soul! Peace to your children and family."

"I will always be so thankful for all the time we spent together. Until we meet again. "

""For one moment our lives met, our souls touched." â?? Oscar Wilde "

"I send my condolences to Paul Ginsberg's family and countless friends. If everyone on the planet was like Paul, there would be no strife and no war. Peace would indeed prevail. We have lost a dear soul. "

"One of the first UW 'authorities' I met upon arrival at the campus in 1951, was Paul Ginsberg.  I remember vividly his kind, compassionate manner as he worked with various problems in the lakeside residence halls where I was a freshman student.  Throughout the ensuing years I had various contacts with Paul in my work with the Madison Public Schools, and was certainly aware of his fine work as eventual Dean of Students.  One of my best friends, Steve Saffian, was a long-time member of the Paul's staff, and he helped me keep track of Paul as well. When, in 2010, we moved to The Crossing, I was delighted to learn that Paul was also a resident, and not surprisingly was a continuing, strong voice for calm, reason, and keeping the peace.  He acted as ombudsman, as shadow member of the Board, as chair of the Mission committee, and as the leader in various endeavors to place memorials for those who worked so hard for the good of the Crossing community, and those whose homes had been damaged by flooding.  Paul was always, in his studied, sincere way, the voice for those who lacked the ability to speak for themselves. Over the past four years, I have met Paul for coffee at Panara, or visited him at his home with cookies and other treats, and have so thoroughly enjoyed his philosophical stories and his recounting of his Staff Meetings with God." He spoke so lovingly and proudly of his children and glowingly of his time in Israel as a young man, and his desire to return.  Alas, that was not possible.   It has been a distinct pleasure to have known Paul over the past 64 years, and, along with enormous numbers of others, I miss him mightily. For these and so many other reasons, Paul was surely a MAN FOR ALL SEASONS! "

"First, I want to send my condolences to the family during their time of grief. Paul was my friend. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him while he worked in Housing or his time as a Dean, I benefitted greatly from his reflections on his time in those roles. Paul helped crystalize my thoughts around student development and I am eternally grateful for him sharing his knowledge with me. His reflections as human that cared deeply and saw the potential in others taught me a lot about resilience, friendship, love and appreciation. I only knew Paul for about 6 or 7 years but it felt like a lot longer. Being from Milwaukee Paul shared with me memories of my city that I could only imagine. I didn't have enough time with Paul, no one did. I am grateful to have been able to eat with him at Bluephies or sit with him in his sun room. I will cherish our talks and the lessons he shared with me. I am happy that Paul isn't in pain and back with the universe. Paul was my friend and I will miss him terribly. Rest In Peace my friend, Rest In Peace. "

"My condolences to Paul's family from one of his multitude of admirers. I served at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for over 25 years; Paul was already an institution there when I first arrived, and his influences continued long after I left. I think I have never known a more humble or compassionate human being. Although our work was quite different--his in Student Services and mine in Academic Services--it was of necessity complimentary if we were to serve students well, and I certainly learned a great deal from Paul in that regard. While Paul and his staff spent unnumbered hours caring for, advising, mentoring, counseling, and/or intervening on behalf of students, Paul also found the time--took the time--to introduce himself to and get to know new staff members as well. I was a beneficiary of his kindness and caring, and I owe him a debt of gratitude for that as well. Rest in peace, Paul my friend. Our memories of your grace and goodness live on. "

"Dear family of Paul, I want to tell you that Paul was my best-known friend at UW-Madison for my four years there as an undergraduate. He trained me in the art of active political involvement with the Reach Out group of students-meeting on campus, at the Capitol and around the state. He followed many hours of discussion about life and college and the Vietnam protests with a recommendation for Law School which was successful. I admired him as a man and a soldier and a friend on campus with whom I was "really educated" due to his extensive experience in all of life's endeavors. Blessings to each one of you. He is in my prayers."

"I met Paul in the fall of 1972 as a senior at UW when he only been the Dean for a couple of years. I was struggling with an academic issue at the time but also mental health issues that escalated that semester into heavy drinking and eventual hospitalization and withdrawal from school. Throughout this period Paul and I became good friends--when he dragged me out of a bar and brought me to UW Hospital that night, I found lemon drops in my pea coat ( he used to keep them in his office and I remembered thinking at the time that a man who has lemon drops in his office couldn't be all bad) and the lemon drops in my coat kept me in the hospital that night until my father arrived to take me home. Throughout the following thirty years we remained close while I was in school and after having coffee and catching up. He was the dearest friend I have ever had. Friend, mentor, advisor, special person, everything you could want to be with to talk to-- he just make you feel great with one of his big bear hugs. What he did for the University by single-handedly creating the reputation of the Office of Dean of Students as a student centered place where the concerns of students were taken seriously, where someone really cared about your issues , worked tirelessly into the evenings to help with personal problems , with families, extended himself wherever he could for the best outcomes, was never done until he was absolutely sure he'd done everything he could absolutely do. That was Paul Ginsberg and that is what he did as Dean of Students. I was so proud to call him my friend and I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to Larry, Annie and Luke--he spoke of you often to me in our meetings and what you were doing at those times. "

"To Paul with love. You were to people what Sir Isaac Newton and James Maxwell were to mathematics and did what you did with passion and compassion for people. I will fulfill your request when I travel in June.Our time together for 31 years was unbelievable wonderful. I will fulfill your request in June when I travel. You will always remain in my heart and mind. Thank you for your gift to me and to the world. That might be your answer to your question! I will find out in my travels."

"Paul made a huge difference in my life. My condolences to his family."

"My husband David and I were fortunate enough to be students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison when Paul was the Dean of Students. We were referred to as "returning adult students", in our late twenties working on our Baccalaureate degree. David is an intelligent, creative, and analytical inventor but he was not "book smart". He was set on becoming a mechanical engineer but struggled through each and every course. Students would come to him before exams so they could study with him. He had a talent for teaching. Using analogies that helped classmates understand problems in a " real life" way. But David could not pass an exam. He was unable to process and spit out what professors needed for him to get a passing grade. He was put on probation and eventually asked to leave the College of Engineering. But David was blessed, he knew Dean Ginsberg and Dean Ginsberg believed he would someday be the best damned engineer that ever set foot on the Madison campus. Paul not only continually built up David's confidence, but he was wise enough to know that we needed to be a team and provided marriage counseling for us with one of his colleagues. Paul didn't stop there, he went to the dean of engineering and told him that he had faith that David would be successful and success should not be based on ones ability to score high on exams. He knew people who worked with David at the university's Limnology lab and sang the praises of David's innate talents. David was "kicked out" of the school of engineering three times and three times Paul Ginsberg fought for him. Paul knew talent, dedication, sincerity, and tenacity the moment he saw it, and he was seldom wrong. David and I graduated in 1984 and the seven years,......yes seven years, it took us to graduate has proven, over time, to be the years that shaped and molded us into the people we are today. We have a loving and great marriage (thank you Peggy). Yes, we have had our challenges. A daughter with Muscular Dystrophy and a cognitive disability and a son who struggles with being smarter than the average, but they are thoughtful, productive adults, because we had advocates, like Paul Ginsberg in our lives. Thank You Dean Ginsberg, for caring, for giving, and for believing in us. Our son is an Astrophysicist and our daughter is proof that what Paul Ginsberg believed is true....there is no such thing as a disability, only different, less conventional types of abilities. We are grateful that such an extraordinary man touched our lives. Thank you for sharing your soul and spirit. You truly mad a difference in our lives and will always be remembered and honored. Susan Pinsonnault and David Gussert Class of 1984/1985 "

"Our deepest sympathy. My husband, Victor V. Crapp, used to work with Paul and thought he was very well liked."

"I was first introduced to my friend Paul by talking to Leon Varjian of the "Pail and Shovel Party" on campus. We came to like each other and I talked to Paul many times over the past 37 years. Paul was able to accept almost anything I shared, but if he disagreed with my opinions he was quick to let me know! Paul was my primary contact person after I got out of treatment and many times I believe he saved my life!! I had been hoping to say goodbye to him in the last few weeks but didn't have the moral fiber to call him. Paul, you are sorely missed and will always dwell in the hearts, minds, souls and spirits and lives of those you touched and those who love you. May you dwell in the House of the Lord Forever (Psalm 23, Old Testament!!). Jonathan A. Makool, Madison, WI (Bachelor of Science in Math and Engineering, Thanks to Paul!)"

"My deepest sympathy to the family. My husband, Victor V. Crapp, used to work with Paul and thought he was very well liked."

"Like thousands, or perhaps tens of thousands, Paul touched my life in such a deep, profound, and positive way. Reading the other tributes here has made me cry yet be proud to have had this man in my life and as a part of a great university. Similar to other stories here, when I got to the UW, I had some adjusting - some family issues to resolve, and at 17, I had no tools. I was introduced to Paul at his office in Bascom, and I'll never forget the huge hug that welcomed me. He helped me enormously, I always thought of him as a giant teddy bear come to life, in the form of my Fairy Godfather. Honestly, it's not hyperbole to state I'm not sure where I'd be without his guidance, but I probably would have ended up dropping out, instead, with his continued guidance through my college career, I graduated from the Business School with an Accounting/Finance BBA. He even attended my wedding. As others have noted, he was so utterly kind, he made me feel like I was his only concern, and somehow he made hundreds feel that way on a daily basis. Paul even met with my mom, summoning her from out of state to have family therapy. I wonder if anyone else heard my favorite of his philosophies - he talked about someday writing a book entitled "Sure Shit" - he figured that people stayed in toxic relationships because even though they knew it was awful, it was a sure thing, and somehow that gave comfort. I think he showed many people the way out of those relationships. Although I moved around a lot after school, when I could come through Madison, I was able to see him, and he was as gracious and caring as I remembered - honestly, I was shocked that he even remembered me, but then knowing him, of course he would. Thirteen years after that first hug, I was fortunate to introduce him to my daughter. I think he was the first truly healthy relationship in my life and he will always hold a special place in my heart. I was saddened to see there will be no Memorial or Funeral - although I'm not surprised that would be his wish - always humble. I think the only site that could hold the mourners would be Camp Randall. I hope his family will read these notes from those of us whose lives were touched by his kindness, I'm sure there will be a great many! And UW better get busy finding an amazing piece of real estate to name after this great man! Rest in Peace Paul, you touched the lives of so many."

"Paul was the living embodiment of "Tikkun olam" the beautiful idea that we - as human beings - are responsible for how we relate and treat others and the world around us. He reminded us all of our obligation to affect and heal brokenness. We saw time and time again his dedication to tikkun olam in balancing traits of compassion and justice, of lovingkindess and strength. He was a friend and teacher to many."

"I was a student at UW in 1974, living on Monroe Street. One morning the bus did not come so I stuck out my thumb and was picked up by someone that looked like my dad. We had a pleasant conversation and he asked my about my major and classes. He even gave me a ride to the door of Van Hise Hall. As I got out of the car he told me he was Paul Ginsburg, the dean of Students and that he never wanted to see me hitchhiking EVER again. I appreciated his kindness and wise advice. I thanked him, but I thought at this time his kids would want to add another touching and caring story to their memory box. Jeanine Gleason Ranzen UW, Class of 1974"

"I have struggled in writing this. There simply are no words to express my sadness, my loss. RIP my friend."

"He was my uncle, my friend, and the saver of my sanity. Once when I was particularly troubled, he asked "how are you?" "Fine," I replied. "No", he said, "really....How ARE YOU?" We have been very close over the years, and I cannot imagine missing him, because his teachings are with me, all the time, in my soul."

"In 1977 my son, who had been a high school honor student, was in his freshman year at UW and overwhelmed with honors courses. He had just received a "D" in honors calculus and called me incredibly depressed. He had been a virtually straight "A" in a college prep high school. He said he thought he was not smart enough for college and probably should drop out. I was very concerned. I called Paul Ginsberg's office from Milwaukee and his secretary took him out of a meeting to talk to me. He said he would have a counselor there immediately to work with my son. Ten minutes later Paul called me to say the counselor was there and my son was talking with him. What a service he performed! Today my son has a Master's degree from Michigan in computer science and is an upper level manager at Ford Motor Company. Who knows where my son's massive depression would have led had Paul not immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation. Thank you Paul."

"Like many here, I knew Paul years ago and lost touch when life went on in other directions. Few, if any, have touched and influenced me with such kindness and wisdom as he did. Amazingly, I was thinking of him on Monday, the 13th, and wishing I had stayed in touch. An extraordinary man. My condolences to the family."

"I worked at UW Hospital in the 1980s. He would visit the UW students that were patients. He was very kind and concerned for their welfare even when they were off campus. His concern touched me."

"I was President of the Student Government in Madison in the mid-1970s and Paul was simply my greatest source of reason and knowledge while I was there. When I was elected to WSA I was informed that Paul would be my adversary because he represented the Administration, but that could not have been any further from the truth. In fact, I found him to be warm, open, and sincere, and learned I could trust him to give me an honest opinion and solid guidance while never pushing me too hard in any direction--he simply laid out the facts and background information for me to consider in my decision-making. I also always marveled at his ability to keep his cool and sanity when he was surrounded by the daily chaos and trouble 44,000 students could cause--amazing. But most of all, I always appreciated his willingness to find time for me--if, even with short notice, he could squeeze me into his always-packed schedule, he would. Those brief meetings helped me regain my sanity and perspective when everything else was trying to tear them apart. Unfortunately I lost touch with Paul when I graduated and left Madison in the early 80s, something that I have always regretted. But forty years later I still have not forgotten him and the influence he had on me in my younger days and subsequent career. I consider myself very fortunate to have known him even for that short period of time, and my deepest condolensces go to his family. We lost a really terrific person Monday."

"Paul was one of those people who wove himself in and out of my life over the years. - as a student in the late 60s and early 70s, as a journalist in Madison for many years, and then in recent years, as a wise companion over coffee on several occasions. What a rich legacy he leaves this community and all of those whose lives he touched. "

"Larry, Annie, and Luke--Though we never met, I have heard so much about you over the years and I am so grateful to you for sharing your father so generously with all of us. My dad told me that Paul was one of the greatest influences in his life as his housefellow, and a generation later he certainly has been one of the greatest influences in mine. I will never forget the long talks we had in his office in Bascom Hall, in coffee shops on University Avenue, and in more recent years, in his sunroom. I love him so so dearly. I know you will all miss him so. My heart is in Madison tonight. "

"I worked in Bascom Hall when Paul was the Dean of Students. He and I were usually the first people in the building early every morning. Paul always said the a hug was the best way to start your day and he was so right. I always looked forward to seeing him each morning. Paul was such a kind and gentle soul. I know the students and staff all loved him. His soft voice was such a comfort. I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm sure your memories of him will keep him close to you always. "

"My friend! The most wonderful, caring man I have known. I have been blessed and honored by sharing in his life. My fondest memory....the sparkle in his eyes when he laughed and smiled."