[Important Information for Employees] The Death of Dr. Tim Palkovic

[Gerianne Downs]

Dear Members of our SUNY Plattsburgh Community,

We were very sorry to have heard of the death of Dr. Tim Palkovic,
professor emeritus of theater, who died Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, at CVPH
Medical Center. He was 80 years old.

Dr. Palkovic joined the theater faculty as an assistant professor at what
was then called the Center for Art, Music and Theater in September 1972. He
was promoted to associate professor in September 1984. In 1993, he was
named chair of the theater department and served until July 1998. He was
promoted to professor in September 2000 and retired in December 2010.

In his nearly 40 years at SUNY Plattsburgh, Dr. Palkovic was involved in
dozens of theater productions, his final being “The Laramie Project,” a
play by Moises Kaufman and members of The Tectonic Theatre Project, which
addresses issues relating to the tragic death of Matthew Shepard, a young
gay man whose violent murder in 1998 has since become a symbol for
America's struggle against intolerance. The award-winning play documents
the impact of this profound event on the tiny, rural town of Laramie, Wyo.
In an interview conducted Feb. 13, 2009 prior to opening, Dr. Palkovic had
this to say:

"What have we learned, and how do we learn hate?" reflects Dr. Palkovic.
"What is provocative about this production is that the message transcends
the actual event, exploring themes of prejudice and bigotry, tolerance and
truth.  Just a few words can plant the seeds of violence."

In retirement, Dr. Palkovic continued working on theater projects,
designing for the Depot Theater in Westport, and the Strand Theater in
Plattsburgh. He also started painting and drawing and working in puppetry.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a
later date in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court St.,
Plattsburgh, 518-563-1760.

For a full obituary, visit
https://www.rwwalkerfh.com/obituary/timothy-palkovic.

Our condolences to those who knew and loved him.

Be well and stay safe,

Gerianne



*GERIANNE DOWNS*

(She/her/hers)

Associate Director of Communications

Office of the President

151 Hawkins Hall

101 Broad Street

Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901

(o) 518-564-3094

(f) 518-564-2094

Vice President for Professionals

United University Professions

*plattsburgh.edu <http://plattsburgh.edu/>*
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