IN MEMORIUM:  A PERSONAL NOTE 
 
 

It is with a deep sense of sadness that I write these words in tribute to Dr. Debra Malewicki.  I 
still think of “Deb” as my former Ph.D. student as I was privileged to Chair her dissertation 
committee and have her as a vibrant contributor to discussions in the Ph.D. Seminar in 
Entrepreneurship at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).  Her intellect and energy 
combined to make her one of the most talented students I worked with in my four decades of 
teaching. 
 
Beginning with her admission to the Ph.D. program at UIC, it was clear that she was totally 
committed to help build the developing, intellectual field of entrepreneurship.  At a time when 
we were all pioneers, establishing the legitimacy of this domain, Dr. Malewicki brought her 
exceptional abilities and experience.  She had already worked extensively with entrepreneurs, 
gaining insights through observation that were rare for new Ph.D. candidates.  This led her to 
identify particularly important issues to discuss and pursue, and she continued this into her 
last work regarding networks in this issue of JSBS.  She also continued her outstanding work 
on technology commercialization. 
 
Deb was not only a scholar in her own research but she served as a leader in the annual 
Research Symposium on Marketing and Entrepreneurship, held at George Washington 
University.  It was there where I met her wonderful children and husband, and enjoyed their 
company with my wife.  Deb was always quick to smile and laugh and her leadership 
orientation was infectious, always positive and upbeat. 
 
We already miss Dr. Debra Malewicki, but we know that our world is better because she 
made a difference.  As an ideal professor and role model, she generated important new 
knowledge and changed the lives of students and entrepreneurs for the better.  She enriched 
her family and her many friends with her love.  We thank you Deb. 
 
In gratitude, 
 
Gerry Hills 
Turner Chairholder, Bradley University 
Professor Emeritus, UIC   
 



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