Ford School mourns the loss of Faith Vlcek

February 11, 2009
Faith Vlcek, a University of Michigan employee for over ten years, was killed in a car accident on February 10, 2009. Faith was currently serving as a Program Administrator for the International Policy Center at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Prior to joining the Ford School in 2007, she had held positions at the Ross School of Business and the William Davidson Institute (WDI).

Faith's colleagues at the Ford School remember her kind heart and her ready willingness to lend a helping hand. "The faculty, staff, and students of Ford School are shocked and saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, Faith Vlcek," said Dean Susan M. Collins. "She was an incredibly positive and active member of our community and we will miss her tremendously."

Faith worked at the William Davidson Institute from 1998 until 2004, serving as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Professor Jan Svejnar. She provided top-notch administrative support in that role, including the management of complex global travel arrangements for faculty and distinguished guests from all over the world. Svejnar and Professor Kathy Terrell worked closely with Faith for over a decade at WDI and the Ford School. They noted, "Faith became an integral part of our lives and we will miss her enormously in many, many ways. So will the numerous visiting faculty who have sent us condolences from all over the world. Everyone remembers Faith as being an extraordinarily helpful and caring person."

After her time at the William Davidson Institute, Faith worked with the Faculty Support group at the Ross School of Business for 4 years. She received her B.S.Ed from Ohio University.

Faith lived in Tecumseh. She is survived by two children, five grandchildren, and three siblings. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 15, 2009. Memorial contributions may be given to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or the Faith Vlcek Memorial Wrestling Scholarship Fund. Details at www.borekjennings.com.

[Read the Michigan Daily article]

[Read the University Record obituary]