By Mithat Gashi
With profound sadness, I share the passing of Dr. David D. Avdul on December 1, 2024, in his hometown of Canton, Ohio. His life and career, defined by an unwavering commitment to education and public service, have left an indelible mark on many individuals fortunate enough to have known or worked with him.
Born in 1941 in Canton, Ohio, Dr. Avdul began his academic journey at Ohio University, graduating cum laude in History in 1963. His passion for education and leadership led him to pursue graduate studies, earning a Master’s in Instructional Supervision from Syracuse University and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1975. From the outset, his academic trajectory reflected his dedication to improving education and inspiring others through learning.
Dr. Avdul’s career spanned over five decades, during which he held influential positions across academia, public schools, corporate education, and international education development. He joined Pace University in 1983, where he served as a Professor of Education and Director of the Center on Economic Education. His visionary leadership as Dean of the School of Education from 1983 to 1994 brought transformative growth, securing significant funding to support underserved students in New York City schools.
Before his tenure at Pace, Dr. Avdul held positions at prestigious institutions, including Teachers College, Columbia University, and Marymount Manhattan College. His expertise in curriculum design, teacher development, and instructional leadership established him as a respected figure in the field.
David’s influence extended beyond the United States. As Education Director of the Albania Education Development Project, he collaborated with Albanian institutions to improve school effectiveness and teacher education. His work was pivotal in shaping Albania’s educational system during its transition from dictatorship to electoral democracy.
Throughout his career, David authored several articles and research papers exploring topics from teacher education to disaster response management. His scholarship underscored the intersection of education, leadership, and societal transformation, emphasizing his belief in education as the cornerstone of democracy. David’s work on alternative teaching certifications at Pace University broadened pathways into the profession.
I was a first year college student when I first heard of David Avdul. It was December 1990 at a Christmas dinner hosted by the Buchsbaum Historical Society at Pace University’s Pleasantville campus. The event took place at the Choate House, where Professor James Holmes, the Society’s advisor, introduced me to Dr. Bronislaw Theodore Wisniowski (1916–2008), a professor of Literature at Pace. Wisniowski, who had fled Communist Poland in 1964 due to his unwavering democratic beliefs, impressed me about his knowledge of Albania’s history. As we spoke, he mentioned, “The dean of the School of Education at Pace is Albanian. His name is David Avdul.” Surprised, I replied that while the surname—spelled with a “v”—was distinctly Albanian, the first name seemed less so. Professor Holmes then picked up a university catalog and pointed to David’s name in print.
In March 1991, the Buchsbaum Historical Society at Pace University invited me to give a talk titled “Yugoslavia: A Question of Existence—To Be or Not To Be.” A few weeks later, I decided to contact David Avdul directly. When I called his office, his secretary, whom I later learned was Anna Fishmann, answered and transferred me to him. My first question was, “What is your nationality?” After a brief pause, David responded, “Albanian.” I explained how I had heard of him through Dr. Wisniowski, and David mentioned that he had read about my lecture in the university newspaper.
A few weeks later, David and I met at Pace University’s Pleasantville campus. At the time, I had founded the first Albanian Student Association in the United States. I asked David if he would serve as the faculty advisor for the newly established group, and he graciously accepted. That moment marked the beginning of a lasting and meaningful collaboration.
Two years later, in 1993, the Albanian Student Association organized a symposium on Kosova, an issue of critical importance at the time. David moderated the event and parts of the symposium were broadcast in Studio Victoria. A few months later the same TV program interviewed David about his work and his life growing up in Ohio.
In 1998, I organized another seminar on Kosova at Pace University’s New York campus. David played a pivotal role in its success. He advocated for the university to provide honoraria for the distinguished keynote speakers: Dr. Dietrich Fischer, an expert in international relations, and Dr. Barend Cohen, a forensic doctor from the Netherlands who investigated war crimes in Bosnia and Croatia, and Fred Abraham, who worked for the Human Rights Watch, and myself. David’s unwavering support ensured the seminar had the necessary resources to bring critical voices to the forefront.
By 1999, as the conflict in Kosova intensified, the need to amplify awareness about the region’s history and struggles became urgent. Mr. Agim Karagjozi and Dr. Gjon Buçaj invited the British historian Noel Malcolm to present his book Kosova: A Short History. At the time, I was a graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and arranged for the event to take place at Columbia’s International Affairs Building. Alongside two fellow Albanian students, Alda Mosko and Enkelea Gjoleka, we promoted the event widely. Once again, David served as the moderator, skillfully guiding the discussion and bringing his characteristic depth to the role. The entire event was broadcasted on C-Span.
In 2007-2008, at the request of Imam Vehbi Ismaili, David Avdul and I collaborated on a proposal to digitize Imam Vehbiu’s manuscripts and transfer his collection to Shkodra. In my email to David on March 7, 2008, I wrote: “I received your e-mail. Middle of April would work best for me to meet and discuss the transfer of the Islamic Library and documents of Imam Vehbi Ismaili, etc. Did you get any more news from the Albanian-Saudi?” The Albanian-Saudi I referred to was Ismet Albahiti, whom Imam Vehbi Ismaili had recommended we contact for assistance with this project.
In David’s March 3, 2008 email to Ismet, he wrote, “I do hope this note finds you and your family in the best of health. I am writing to ask two questions: (1) Did you have a chance to visit the school in Shkodra, where Imam Vehbi Ismail plans to house his library collection? and (2) Do you have any questions on the proposal to fund the effort to ship the collection to Albania? I am hoping to get started on this project by early summer (June 2008). Please send a response to me at your earliest convenience.”
In an earlier correspondence (January 7, 2008) Ismet wrote the following to David: “Thank you very much for your message and details. I will revert back to u as soon as I am back in Istanbul, hopefully next Wednesday evening from Geneva Switzerland. My very best wishes for the New Year 1428H/2008. Ismet.”
A few emails that I still have saved show that we were working on this project, which was unfortunately interrupted after Imam Vehbiu passed away in May 2008. These exchanges demonstrate David’s tireless dedication to education, interfaith dialogue, and cultural preservation.
Dr. David D. Avdul will be remembered not only for his intellectual contributions and leadership in education but also for his unwavering spirit, his dedication to his roots, and his profound impact on the countless lives he touched as a mentor, educator, and education leader. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the students he inspired, and the programs he shaped.
Rest in peace, David. Your contributions to education, your passion for justice, and your enduring commitment to service will never be forgotten.
Dr. Richard Avdul, David’s brother, shared that a private memorial service was held in Canton, Ohio, on Friday, December 6, 2024, to honor David’s extraordinary life and contributions.
In his December 3rd message, Richard wrote, “In celebration of Brother David’s life, a contribution can be made to the University of Saint Francis. Please note ‘Avdul Scholarship Fund’ in the memo line.”
Contributions may be sent to:
Office of Institutional Advancement
University of Saint Francis
2701 Spring Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46815