"I am so sad to hear this news - Andre was selfless and giving and he loved our community so much. He was also the funniest of people, the most cheerful, the most kind. I cannot believe he is gone, not for a minute. He taught me everything I know about teaching, came to my lectures, gave me feedback, never asking for anything in return. He was a friend, exclusively drinking Diet Coke, watching sports on TV, and traveling vicariously through us. It’s amazing to me that he even loved my children, always saying that they are the most precious gift of all. No wonder he loved doing outreach so much and catered to all the kiddos who came through our department in ways that made them truly appreciate the fun of science. I will miss him so much. Like everybody else, I cannot imagine the department without him. "
- Jasna Brujic (Professor of Physics)
"The news about Andre's passing is the saddest, most devastating imaginable. His kindness knew no bounds. The Department is impoverished without him."
- Burton Budick (Professor of Physics)
"That is indeed extremely sad news. Andre was a wonderful person and a tireless advocate for physics and exciting the next generations with its wonders."
- Paul Chaikin (Professor of Physics; Silver Professor)
"What terribly sad news — devastating and heartbreaking. Andre was so unique, such a wonderfully thoughtful and sincere person, I will miss him dearly. Each tribute that I’ve read rings true. I lent him a popular physics book a few years ago, and we had a running joke when we would pass each other in the hall about when he would return it. I was happy that he didn’t because it kept the joke going. I’m very much in support of an award in his honor. "
- Kyle Cranmer (Professor of Physics)
" It was always a joy working with Andre, He inspired an open mind and encouraged our work with kids who might benefit from a little science!"
- Andrew Cribb (Photographer)
"I'm so sorry to hear the news. A loss for all of us, but I'm sure hardest for his NYU family.
Andre was special to me. I'll never forget the many long, enjoyable conversations we had in his office. I loved his stories of NYU physics in the '60s and '70s. Andre always wanted to operate the air assisted door on the BioBus, and always spoke of volunteering on the bus when he eventually retired. I think he did finally get to operate the air assisted door at the World Science Festival, though I wish I had the photos to prove it. For me, Andre will always live in the pantheon of people who saw beyond the peeling paint of 2010 BioBus to the full potential of the idea. And of course, he helped me fulfill that potential through his advocacy of our partnership with MRSEC and NYU more broadly. I wish I could thank him again in person, but there was also something about Andre where, at least to me, it always felt like he was very confident that he knew he was doing the right thing. He was an animated dreamer and idealist - I don't remember a single time meeting with him when his face didn't light up at least once with excitement over a fun idea we were discussing."
- Ben Dubin-Thaler (Founder and Executive Director of BioBus)
"Just wanted to say something about Dr. Adler: Dr. Adler was one of the nicest and most caring people I have met. He truly cared about each of his students. Never seen somebody with such a passion for teaching students and seeing them learn. He was really one of the best teachers in our department. He will truly be missed by us all."
- Bassel Heiba Elfeky (Graduate Student)
"Thank you for taking the time to inform us of Andre’s passing. This is indeed a tremendous loss for our community, and we know many of us are reeling from the news.
Andre deeply cared for his students and was committed to continued work on becoming the best educator for them. He was always eager to talk about recent research in pedagogy and actively worked to implement new strategies in his courses. Just over the last year we had many conversations with him about inclusive learning, and before the pandemic hit we had begun discussing putting together a lecture series on it. There’s no doubt he was instrumental in shaping course culture over the years, and we should take to heart the example he set.
For many graduate students, through the practicum he was the first faculty member we felt assured in bringing any issue to. We knew he could be trusted to provide a sympathetic ear, guidance, and even intervention when he could. He was a great advocate and friend to us. He provided a different image of what a physicist could be and what they should care about, and put effort into making the physics community one which was welcoming to all people. Those of us working towards that goal lost a great ally yesterday.
We will all be grieving this loss for some time to come."
- Iraj Eshghi and Paul McNulty (Graduate Student)
"It seems impossible to articulate what Andre meant to the department, and to all of us as individuals in the department, too. Such a kind, decent, low-key, deeply-thoughtful person! He has always been the go-to person for wisdom about a teaching challenge or if a student presented a problem - not to mention how nice it was just to chat with him on any occasion. "
- Glennys Farrar (Professor of Physics; Collegiate Professor)
"This is incredibly sad. Andre was such a gentle person and so giving of his time and energy. He was so wonderful in his outreach to our school groups and so patient with the students and the teachers. He was, as so many have mentioned, a model for how to teach and reach students at all levels. This loss will leave a huge hole in our department."
- Marc Gershow (Assistant Professor of Physics and Neural Science)
"What a loss! His devotion to physics education was infectious."
- Alexander Grosberg (Professor of Physics)
"That's shocking and terrible. His dedication to teaching and nyu physics was very special. "
- Andy Haas (Associate Professor of Physics)
"You’ve broken my heart. Andre changed my life with his teaching—I learned a huge amount from him—and he supported me in many ways, when I was DUS and afterwards, always working above and beyond his duties. He loved this department like a family and he cared deeply about the students from all backgrounds. He cared that they learn, no matter what their challenges. He was an incredible exemplar of an educator, deep and dedicated. I’ll miss him immensely. "
- David Hogg (Professor of Physics and Data Science)
"I am so heartbroken to hear this sad news! I have known Andre since I arrived at NYU in 1996. We had neighboring offices in the Core Curriculum for many years before Andre moved to the Physics Department. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Andre earlier in the spring semester when we both participated in the Inclusive Teaching Seminar.
Andre cared deeply for students and he devoted his life to being a good teacher for them. This is a tragic loss to the NYU community. Please let me know if the Physics Department will be organizing a memorial because I would like to contribute a few words in recognition of Andre's service to the university."
- Trace Jordan (Director, Foundations of Scientific Inquiry, College Core Curriculum Faculty Fellow-in-Residence, Senior House Director of Special Projects, Faculty Resource Network)
"This is such sad and sudden news. My condolences to all of us. Andre was such an outstanding person. He was so dedicated to offering our students the very best education, and so humble about the outstanding job he did. I enjoyed working with him as on numerous occasions when he was striving to give students a second and even third chance. He will be deeply missed in the College and I will feel his absence."
- Richard Kalb (Associate Dean for Students College of Arts and Science)
"This is a huge loss.
I did know Andre. I had originally started working at NYU in CAS and saw him frequently - my office was just down the hall from the MAP/Core. Trace Jordan and I bonded over messy desks, Andre and I bonded over Diet Coke. Even after I left CAS I would see him regularly in the elevators of Meyer when I was in CNS (unfortunately sending all of those Neural Science majors taking GenPhys out of sequence). He was one of the faculty I valued for both his commitment to students and his commitment to conveying the importance of science to non science majors. And I always appreciated his sense of humor about the idiosyncrasies of life in higher education. It is hard to imagine the department, or NYU, without him.
I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts."
- Vik Keenan (Assistant Director of Advising & Operations, Liberal Studies)
"This is so so sad. He was such a wonderful person and would literally do anything for the Physics Department."
- Andy Kent (Professor of Physics; Director of the Center for Quantum Phenomena)
"Andre was a wonderful human being and a phenomenal educator. I miss him terribly."
- Matthew Kleban (Professor of Physics; Chair of the Department of Physics)
"Andre is a wonderful professor and friend. I have worked with him for the past 4 semesters and was looking forward to working with him again this summer. He has inspired me so much for his dedication to teaching and compassion towards students. Last summer when we were teaching General Physics 2, he showed me this commencement speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiQ_T5C3hIM and told me that he believed we can all make others feel lucky to have us. And we (instructors) should try to help students learn as much as possible, to pass on luck we all benefited from. We are lucky to have him in our lives. The Physics department will never be the same without him. His last exchange with me is that he still believes this summer will be a beautiful summer despite all that is going on in the world. I am sure he is in a beautiful place now and is happy that he has inspired so many students.He will be deeply missed. I hope that his dedication to teaching and his compassion towards students live on in all of us."
- Ekapob Kulchoakrungsun (Graduate Student)
"I knew Andre for over 15 years, and I can't believe he is gone. I can't picture Andre not being in the Physics Department, every day I would come into the office. He would often be there very early in the morning working at something in the Physics Office.
We would often talk about music, which he loved and in which I have a musical background having studied it at a Conservatory. He especially loved classical and jazz, opera, modern music; he knew it very well. He was also incredibly devoted to his students, a gentle, patient teacher. To Andre, his students came first.
I am stunned, and in a state of disbelief over this news. Not seeing Andre Adler ever again in the Department is just utterly impossible to believe at this time. It's a tragedy that Andre died so young, my sister is 60 years old like Andre. He would have been 61 in the fall. For her to suddenly go out like that would crush our family completely.
I just hope that not just Physics but that NYU's College of Arts and Science would establish an Outstanding Teaching Award in Andre Adler's memory. Since he was a graduate student at NYU, and one of the best teaching assistants in the Department, I would think GSAS should be encouraged to establish an Outstanding Graduate Instructor Award in Andre's memory.
What a sad day, one of the saddest days in all my years in the Physics Department."
- Bill LePage (Program Administrator, Assistant to Director of Undergraduate Studies)
"Thank you for sharing this with us. I'm absolutely heartbroken. I had Dr. Adler as a teacher and also TA-ed for him for 2 years. There wasn't a professor who was more understanding and open with his students. I went to his office many times for advice on teaching and to discuss ways to better help students. This is a tremendous loss; it is hard to imagine anyone stepping into his shoes. "
- Amanda Lesar (Graduate Student)
"This is truly devastating news and I hope that you and everyone in Physics is ok. Please let me know how I may participate in any service since Andre was the best, and if there is anything that I can do personally for his family members."
- Armanda Lewis (Associate Dean for Academic Affairs)
"I was one of your students from Physics I last Fall. It was heartbreaking to hear the news of Professor Andre Adler. I remember coming to your office hour and you advised me to connect with Professor Adler. He put me in touch with Professor Shabani who led my very first research project as an undergraduate. He also provided me with contact info of physics alumni who share the same background with me. I couldn’t be more grateful to you for introducing me to a wonderful friend and mentor, Professor Adler, without whom my first year experience would never be the same. "
- Daniel Li (Undergraduate Student)
"I'll miss hearing the gentle cadence of his voice. He spoke in icaro."
- Evette Ma (Program Administrator, Assistant to Director of Graduate Studies)
"This is sad news indeed. From my work with students I know that Andre was deeply devoted to his teaching, and whenever I collaborated with him I always found him to be a great colleague and person. We will all miss him. "
- James Mazza (Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs College of Arts and Science, New York University)
"I first met Andre in my early years at NYU. He was still a grad student at the time and was an outstanding TA in a course for which I lectured. I have known him for decades as a sweet, gentle, and modest person who took immense pleasure in teaching, learning, and physics. It was a joy to discuss all of these with him, which I frequently did. He was known in our department as a stellar teacher who was always experimenting and working to improve and who would go out of his way to help any of us with any aspect of teaching or mentoring. I will miss him a lot, as will everyone in our department."
- Allen Mincer (Professor of Physics)
"That's heart-breaking - what a terrible loss for all of us ! He was a wonderful colleague and mentored me many many times on teaching large classes and various tips and tricks . He was a kind, giving and generous soul and deeply cared about his students and colleagues."
- Maryam Modjaz (Associate Professor of Physics)
"I'm still trying to process this shocking news since hearing it early this morning. André was my co-clinical professor, a cherished colleague, a confidant, a friend. His dedication to General Physics 1 & 2 was absolute as was his love for this department. He often told me he thought he had the perfect job. We were office neighbors and I will miss popping in on him after picking up some printing to use his stapler and the ensuing chat that always erupted.. "
- Frank Moscatelli (Clinical Professor of Physics; Chief of Staff for Physics)
"That's terrible news. How sad. Andre was a wonderful teacher, colleague, and a unique soul. He will be deeply missed."
- David Pine (Professor of Physics and Mathematics; Silver Professor)
"Andre was one of the first people who welcomed me into the department as an undergraduate. The first time I TA’d for Andre I took for granted his incredible empathy and ability. He was willing to consider even my input as an undergraduate instructor; someone far below his level of experience, education, and rank. Even when I was clearly incorrect, he was willing to hear me out and discuss why his final decision differed. It was not until I continued in academia that I learned and truly recognized that this degree of consideration is far beyond the standard. I have great respect for Andre Adler and I consider myself fortunate to have known him as an educator and a friend. This loss cannot be overstated. "
- Daniel Polin (Alumni Physics Major, current PhD Student at UC Davis)
"Andre has been, for many students and faculty, the face of the department during many years. Andre would have been so important for the department, now that we are in the process of adapting to a Covid-19 world.
His will be very big shoes to fill. "
- Massimo Porrati (Professor of Physics)
" Very sad and shocked to hear these news, he was a wonderful human being."
- Roman Scoccimarro (Professor of Physics)
"Thank you for sending this message along. Andre was the first person that I taught under and he had a great influence on my teaching. He was always kind, clear in his explanations, and generous with his time given to students. This is yet another blow in an already difficult time."
- Daniel Seara (NYU Alumni, current PhD Student at Yale University)
"I am so sorry to hear this news. Andre was the first person I spoke to about teaching at NYU when I first arrived, and over the years we worked together on a number of projects. He was completely selfless, always happy to lend a hand with anything at all, and a valuable resource to consult on anything and everything related to teaching and students. He was a gentle and kind soul and a good friend. He will be missed tremendously."
- Daniel Stein (Professor of Mathematics and Physics)
"I'm at a loss about Andre's passing. Thank you for informing us as graduate students - I think I can speak for many of us that Andre held a special place for grads as one of the first faculty we interacted with through the practicum. He was incredibly supportive and always willing to discuss the big and difficult questions, and had so much wisdom to share. I can't imagine the department without him.
It's particularly hard to not be able to grieve with you all in person. I hope we can come together when we return and honor Andre."
- Kate Storey-Fisher (Graduate Student)
"Andre and I always had great conversations. Some even dealt with our love of the WWF back in the 80s. He was a very sweet person and will be dearly missed."
- Stan Usherenko (NYU Physics Financial Analyst)
"This is very hard to confront. He was one of our best role models on how to lead a meaningful life. Andre was always the first person I would turn to with questions about teaching, from practical details to philosophy. He also brought me into outreach program activities, and introduced me to minority students interested in research. I learned valuable things in our last conversations, and have trouble accepting that there won't be another."
- L Andrew Wray (Assistant Professor of Physics)
"My name is Winnie Xu and I was in Dr. Adler's Physics class this past year. I heard about his passing away through a friend who saw a post about this in a Facebook group for a class of his in 2018.
I am incredibly saddened by this news, as Dr. Adler was a wonderful professor who I visited in office hours frequently, and truly inspired me to work hard not only in his class, but also in life. He even wrote my letter of recommendation for graduate school, and I had mailed him a handwritten thank you letter last week, which I believe he did not get the chance to read. "
- Winnie Xu (Undergraduate Student)
"I'm so sorry to hear this news. Andre was such a fantastic teacher. My first course in the physics department was actually his Astronomy class which I enjoyed very much. I had many chats and conversations with Andre over the years as an undergrad (about physics, about careers, about life) and I have only the fondest of memories.
He will indeed be deeply, deeply missed. "
- Ti Xu (Alumni Physcis Major)
"I am very sad to know that Andre leaves us. When I first got into NYU as a PhD student, he taught 'Practicum in Teaching Physics' for all the new students. He also teaches the lecture for my first TA job, the lecture for my first proctor job... He is always energetic, reliable, patient and nice... I met him in the department just a few months ago and he looked so healthy... If I knew that was our last meet I would talk to him more... He will always live in my memory. Goodbye Professor Adler..."
- Shengqi Yang (Graduate Student)
"I am deeply saddened by this shocking news! This is too early and untimely for a wonderful person like Andre. Andre took teaching very seriously and would do anything to help our students. I still remember the days when Andre and I (occasionally) covered each other’s lectures and discussed exam problems together. A great loss to me personally as a friend and office neighbor on the 8th floor, and to our department as a colleague. He will be dearly missed."
- Jun Zhang (Professor of Physics and Mathematics)
"Professor Adler had taught me so much about how to teach physics. He was a wonderful person, a good friend, and the most dedicated person I know in teaching physics to both major and non major students. He was also the very first person to welcome me to the NYU physics department and shared us with him love in teaching physics. I have been his TA for many times, and he was an incredibly friendly person to work with, and I have learned so much myself by observing his classes. This is a great loss to the physics society. He will be deeply missed."
- Jeana Zheng (Graduate Student)
"This is extremely sad and heart-braking news. What a loss!"
- Alexandra Zidovska (Assistant Professor of Physics)
"Andre was a constant reminder to me that learning is a life-long process."
- Michael Zitolo (Alumni Physics Major, High School Teacher of Physics)
"For the Physics Department, for many years, Andre Adler has been like a structural column in a tall building."
- Daniel Zwanziger (Professor of Physics)
