Multiplying Kindness
Dec. 25, 1926–Oct. 31, 2020
Joining Colgate in 1961 to teach mathematics, Gertrude Decker Pownall became one of the University’s first female instructors and the first female in the mathematics department.
She received her master’s degree in mathematics from Hofstra University and then taught in Long Island’s East Rockaway High School throughout the 1950s. While visiting Hamilton in the summer of 1960 for the National Science Foundation Institute for Mathematics Teachers, she met Colgate professor of mathematics, now emeritus, Malcolm Wilmor Pownall. They fell in love and married in the summer of 1961. She began teaching at Colgate that fall.
While at Colgate, Gertrude prioritized helping and building the community alongside perfecting her lesson plans. She coordinated a program called Math Clinic, referred to as “Colgate’s most outstanding tutoring program” in a Middle States report. She was also influential in establishing the Eye Opener program, which sought to help math majors and faculty get to know one another.
“She was smart, open-hearted, and had a wonderful sense of humor,” says Ken Valente, professor of mathematics and LGBTQ studies. “Her student-centered commitments were integral to the department and were a significant influence on me.”
The University’s then Provost and Dean of the Faculty Chuck Trout called Gertrude’s retirement “the shortest retirement in the history of Colgate,” after she planned to retire in 1989 and was promptly asked to stay for another year. After 29 years, she officially retired on June 30, 1990, as an instructor emerita.
She continued to reside in Hamilton, attending St. Mary’s Church and contributing to many community service initiatives.
“Gert was a strong, concerned, and involved person,” says Professor of Mathematics Al Strand, a friend of Gertrude’s and recurring volunteer at her Math Clinic. “Her generous involvement in both the Hamilton and the Colgate communities is noteworthy and will be noticeably missed.”
St. Mary’s was a focal point of Gertrude’s life and volunteer work. She used her calligraphy skills to pen First Communion and confirmation certificates for generations, painted and touched up the statue of Mary and flaws in the Christmas display, and formed a consolation committee as part of the parish’s response to grieving families. For these efforts, she received an Immaculata Medal from the bishop in 2012.
“She was fiercely and unshakingly committed to her Catholic faith,” daughter Betsy Pownall says. “Nevertheless, she held her faith gently when relating to others; accepting the diversity of people with openness and warmth.”
As central to her family as she was to her community, Gertrude was coined “Wonder Woman” by her children.
Gertrude passed away at the age of 93. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, four children and their spouses, and 13 grandchildren.