UW-Madison mourns former Dean of Students Paul Ginsberg

Paul Ginsberg, a longtime dean of students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, died Monday at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison at age 90.

In nearly four decades on campus, from 1951 to 1990 and as dean of students from 1970 to 1987, Ginsberg witnessed many historic changes, from the post-World War II arrival of GIs to the Vietnam War protests and beyond. Antiwar protests received national attention, and tear gas was often in the air, Ginsberg remembered in a 2003 interview.

“Truly, the best of times and the worst of times. But I think the university grew stronger out of that turmoil,” he said.

A native of Milwaukee who served four years in the Army during World War II, Ginsberg came to Madison as an undergraduate, continued through graduate school, and spent more than 17 years as dean of students. He later worked in employee assistance.

“I think Paul’s greatest assets were his heart and his capacity to listen,” says current Dean of Students Lori Berquam, who considers him a mentor. “He was a ‘giver’ and he cared deeply for students. His compassionate counsel of individual students was extraordinary; he stayed late, arrived early and made himself available to students who were struggling on campus.

“His office light in Bascom Hall was usually the only one lit long into the night as he helped students,” Berquam says. “He was also a man with courage and high expectations who was willing to take on difficult issues such as the alcohol culture and relationship violence.”

Ginsberg is remembered as selfless and humble. He was always quick to pitch in, often from his own wallet, when a student needed help. He was especially concerned about making sure students of color and students with disabilities felt at home on campus.

“His legacy is the way he interacted with students and campus colleagues. He cared about making this large campus a place where people mattered — that value continues here. We want to emulate the type of student services professional Paul was. He wanted student voices to matter,” according to Berquam. The Division of Student Life has an award named for Dean Emeritus Ginsberg that embodies all the values he held.

“Paul was one of the kindest, wisest persons I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” says Paula Bonner, president of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, who earned her master’s degree from UW–Madison in 1978. “He made an impact on my life and I know he made a difference in the lives of untold numbers of students, alumni, faculty, and staff.”

Ginsberg is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Ann, and his sons, Larry and Luke. In accordance with Ginsberg’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be a private memorial ceremony.