John Nowakowski
John Nowakowski
John Nowakowski was an iconic figure in postgraduate education. As President of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA), he earned a reputation for his warm and approachable nature as well as his tireless advocacy on behalf of postgraduate students and higher education generally.
Early Life and Education
Early childhood education (ECE) is an incredibly formative time in a child’s life, filled with learning and discovery. Because the brain develops at such an incredible rate during these formative years, early childhood education (ECE) can have a lasting impact on their future success.
A recent UNESCO study indicates that quality early childhood education programs have long-lasting, positive impacts on students and society alike. They promote healthy development and are linked to fewer learning delays later in life.
Furthermore, a strong school-family partnership is essential to the success of ECE programs. This collaboration helps develop emotional readiness, social skills and academic readiness simultaneously.
Professional Career
He was a journalist for The Tri-City Herald in Richland, Washington and worked as a news reporter at Hanford nuclear plant where he interviewed many national and international figures in science and government.
He served as Public Information Officer for the Atomic Energy Commission in Richland, now part of the Department of Energy. Throughout his career he covered many significant events in Richland such as its conversion from government-owned to citizen-voted operated municipality.
He had a distinguished career in music, singing and playing accordion with his band the Sunshine Band for several years. Additionally, he recorded and performed with polka legend Marion Lush’s group and served as executive producer and record promoter at Sunshine Records.
Achievements and Honors
On his arrival at William & Mary, he joined the Golden Eagles’ record-breaking 400 free relay team. Additionally, he enjoyed playing drums, guitar and saxophone in his free time.
Nowakowski’s other accomplishments include founding Sunshine Records, which became one of the leading distributors of polka music in America. He was inducted into the International Polka Association’s Hall of Fame and received numerous Grammy awards for his recordings.
He is a professor of neuroscience and cell biology at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the New Jersey Professor of Spinal Cord Research. Additionally, he directs their postdoctoral career development program and serves on numerous national and local grant review panels. Furthermore, he has leveraged the faculty-student relationship at W&M by initiating an undergraduate research internship program.
Personal Life
John Nowakowski was an inspiring champion for postgraduate students and queer communities. As President of CAPA in 2011, and National Secretary from January-April 2012, he worked tirelessly for its cause.
He had an impeccable knack for cooking, and his recipes always left his family delighted. Additionally, he enjoyed browsing thrift stores to find deals – though he wasn’t particularly successful when it came to age displacement.
He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Survived by his fiancee Jeri; siblings; parents Mark and Stella (nee Torbinski); as well as many other family members and friends, he will be greatly missed by all. A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, December 17th at Ranch Club Missoula.
Net Worth
John Nowakowski has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His popularity on So You Think You Can Dance and as a ballet dancer have earned him several awards throughout his career. Beyond his professional accomplishments, John also earns money through charitable work; helping those suffering from various health issues while encouraging healthy lifestyles through lectureships in hotels around the world.
He was born on March 28, 1989 in South Korea and, as of January 9, 2023, is 48 years old. He currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona 85041 where he is married with children.