THE CARROLL NEWS: Beloved professor passes on

Beloved professor passes on
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Kate McCall on 01 April, 2008 10:00:00
 
Since 1987, William Cenker dedicated his life to the John Carroll University
accounting department. On March 21, Cenker lost his battle with colon cancer.
A 21-year member of the JCU staff, Cenker served two different terms as the
head of the accounting department. Barbara Cenker, his wife, said, “He
couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have the career he had. He called
John Carroll ‘Camelot.’ ”
One of his daughters, Jennifer, is a sophomore at JCU. She said she really
appreciates the support from the extended JCU family. “I have so many fond
memories of my dad at John Carroll. I’ll especially miss eating lunch with
him and watching him advise his students.”
In April 2007, Cenker was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. During his
year-long battle, he underwent one surgery, three rounds of chemotherapy and
radiation therapy in an attempt to battle the disease.
Cenker continued to teach classes during the Fall 2007 semester. Even though he
was undergoing treatment, Cenker never missed a day of class.
Roland Madison, the senior professor in the accounting dept., said that Cenker
could teach almost every class offered in the accounting curriculum. “Most
professors cannot do that,” said Madison. “He was a good colleague;
he could step into many roles,” he said.
Although losing Cenker will be a huge loss to the department, a part of his
legacy will be left behind. Due to the fact that no graduate scholarships are
available at JCU, Cenker almost single-handedly went out into the business
community and raised $1.5 million in scholarship money. This money is for
students who complete a fifth year at JCU working on an accounting  graduate
degree. In 2000, state law began to require students sitting for the Certified
Public Accountant exam to have 150 hours of education logged which made the
fifth year necessary, according to Madison.
The money Cenker raised was then matched by a business school donor, creating a
$3 million endowment that continues to provide scholarships to fifth year MBA
students.
Many of his colleagues highly regarded Cenker, not only as a professor, but
also as a friend. Albert Nagy, an accounting professor, said “Bill was a
great friend. He provided me with invaluable advice on both my professional
career and on my family duties."
Nagy also mentioned that Cenker made him laugh. “A day did not go by in
which Bill did not have me laughing about something.”
Along with his experience as a teacher, Cenker did extensive research, both on
his own and with other colleagues. Professor Robert Bloom collaborated with
Cenker on many articles.
In a note sent to Cenker’s family, Bloom said, “He knew accounting
and tax so well that he was an invaluable partner in our joint research
endeavors, resulting in many professional and academic articles on financial
accounting, accounting history and education, and taxation.”
Bloom added, “We will miss him greatly, but remember him fondly.”
Madison said that when Cenker was the department chair, he operated the
department on a level playing field. “He treated all faculty equally, and
was very straightforward. You could always believe what he spoke,” said
Madison. “He is a great loss, not only as a professional colleague, but
also as a friend.”
As a tribute to Cenker, the accounting association has created a Relay for Life
team named “accounting association – in memory of Dr. Cenker.”
Cenker received his undergraduate degree from The University of Akron, and went
on to receive both his Master’s and in 1989 his Doctorate Degree in
Accounting from Kent State University. He leaves behind his wife and four
children.
Nagy summed up the sentiments of the accounting department. “He was truly
a special person, and I will miss him dearly.”