( -June 05, 2003)
Dr. Roop Kesarwani was a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Ottawa for 30 years (1964-1994) and taught the subject to thousands of students. He believed the best way to learn is to do. Accordingly, throughout his life when he envisioned a project, he made it happen. Dr. Kesarwani was one of the founders of the Association of Retired Professors of the University of Ottawa and worked tirelessly as its treasurer on many causes of importance to his colleagues. He was also an active volunteer in the Community Police Centre and in support of the Neighbourhood Watch Program of the Village of Rockcliffe Park, where his family resides.
Prof. Roop Kesarwani obtained a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Lucknow University in 1957. Following brief stays at Washington University in St Louis and Wayne State University in Detroit, he arrived in Ottawa in September 1964 as an associate professor. By then he had already established himself in research having authored 17 articles in mathematics. He was promoted to full professor in 1970. In his career, he published 41 articles in a variety of Mathematics and Physics journals. His main interests dealt with the application of special functions to specific problems in theoretical physics. He combined the use of special functions and numerical approximations to determine highly precise energy eigenvalues of the Schrodinger differential equation. He retired in 1994.
In addition to his research, Roop was equally devoted to teaching, almost always achieving very high ratings. He often taught large classes of approximately 300 students in linear algebra and more than 200 in applied mathematics such as differential equations and numerical methods. In his career he could be counted on to teach a variety of no less than 20 different types of courses including calculus of variations and integral equations at higher levels. He was not afraid to tackle new challenges, for example giving life to a new course in mathematical modeling. He was a colleague you could rely on.
Roop knew that effective teaching was the result of a great deal of effort and he never stinted in that effort. His classes were always prepared in detail and he provided a great deal of additional material both for the students and for the markers. Outside the classroom he was always available to answer student questions and students were at ease coming to him for help. As Roop said ‘I very happily helped them’ which is why so many students remember him fondly.
Upon his retirement in 1993, his wife and children established The Roop Kesarwani Lecture Endowment Fund to celebrate his sixtieth birthday. The purpose of the fund is to promote excellence in university teaching and to enhance the learning environment. This is achieved through an annual or biennial lecture or workshop organized by the Center for University Teaching.
Dr. Roop Narain -- Passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home, on Thursday, June 5, 2003. Dr. Kesarwani is the beloved husband of Malti. Loving father of 2 sons, Atul, his wife Nayna, and Rahul. Cherished grandfather to Priya, Rohit and Vivek. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Dayawanti Devi. It was Roop's wish that, in lieu of flowers, family and Friends may make a donation to the University of Ottawa ''Roop Kesarwani Lecture Fund''.
He had a wonderful easygoing personality. He was a quiet colleague who did things very well in his own effective and cheerful way. Roop will be missed by his family, his friends and his professional colleagues.
Let his soul rest in peace.
Source: http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/cut/options/aout_03/remembering.htm http://www.ogs.on.ca/ogspi/200ok/2003k023.htm
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