Dr. Heide Hlawaty was a tough professor and one of the kindest souls. She held her students to a high standard and stayed with them until they reached it. Whether she was creating hands-on science experiments for future elementary school teachers or guiding students through the challenge of writing and delivering their first speech, she helped them see what they were capable of, often before they saw it themselves. She brought that same expectation of excellence to her colleagues.
Dr. Hlawaty was a longstanding and senior member of the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education. She served on important committees across the college, including search committees and the Faculty Status Committee, where her wisdom and even temperament supported candidates for rank and promotion. At one time, she also served as faculty coordinator for academic activities at what was then the Bronx campus, where she was entrusted with ensuring that course delivery across all schools was appropriate and effective.
She took real pride in Commencement. For more than ten years, she stood at the podium calling each graduate’s name with care and precision, as if each one were a king or queen. She understood what that moment meant, especially for those who once doubted they would ever get there.
Her creativity showed up in quieter ways too. With each change of season, she made small batches of jam using fruits and flowers at their peak. She would bring them in, carefully labeled, and share them with faculty, staff, and students.
Many may not know that Heide also loved to sing. She participated in a choral club on Long Island and often shared the anthems that would be sung at her church during Easter, Christmas, and other celebrations. It was a reflection of the well-rounded person we knew and appreciated.
Now the season has changed, and we say farewell to a scholar, a mentor, and a caring friend. She leaves behind a community that is better for having known her, and a legacy that, in many ways, made life a little sweeter.
Arrangements will be shared with the community when they are received.
