The Rev. Frederick Borsch ’57, Princeton’s dean of religious life and the Chapel from 1981 until 1988, died April 11 in Philadelphia. He was 81. During his time at Princeton, Borsch created the Interfaith Council, started programs that connected students’ faith with their academic work (including the series “What Matters to Me and Why”), expanded support for LGBT students, and helped raise more than $8 million for programming initiatives geared toward minority students. He also taught in the Program of the Ancient World and held the title of lecturer with the rank of professor. A University trustee from 1998 to 2002, Borsch served as interim dean of religious life and the Chapel in 2007.
Professor emeritus of mathematics Gerard Washnitzer *50 died April 2 in Scotch Plains, N.J. He was 91. Washnitzer was hired as a professor of mathematics in 1963 to strengthen the department’s algebra contingent, and taught at the University until his retirement in 1995. He was known for his work in algebraic geometry and loved history — particularly the history of mathematics — often scouring obscure mathematics papers for ideas.