Zdzisław Skupień

The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.

Zdzisław Skupień (1938–2025)

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our Dad and Professor, Zdzisław Skupień, a distinguished Polish mathematician and educator, on January 1, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on November 27, 1938, in Poland, Professor Skupień was a leading expert in optimization, discrete mathematics, and graph theory. He earned his doctorate in mathematics from Jagiellonian University in Kraków in 1961 and spent much of his career at AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, where he was known for his groundbreaking research and dedication to teaching. His work on algorithms, combinatorics, and network optimization has had a lasting impact on both theory and practice.

As a professor, he mentored numerous students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His clarity, passion for mathematics, and commitment to his students left a lasting legacy in the academic community, He authored over 140 publications ,contributing to the advancement of mathematics in Poland and internationally. He will be remembered not only for his intellectual achievements but also for his humility, kindness, and generosity.

He is survived by his wife Elzbieta, children: Jolanta Polan, Anna Sliz, Zdzisław Skupień (Jr.) and Jan Kubala, grandchildren: Michał Polan, Peter Polan, Veronika Sliz Patrick Sliz, Emilia Skupień, and Alicja Skupień, and a wide network of students, colleagues, and friends. 

Professor Zdzisław Skupień’s legacy in mathematics, education, and mentorship will continue to inspire future generations.

Rest in peace Dad. You will live on in our hearts and memories.