Dad's University: Eduard Schmidt's legacy through the eyes of his daughter
It's been four years since we lost my dad, but he's still with us. For us, his family, he was the center of our lives, a role model we looked up to.
Today we commemorate the 90th birthday of the emeritus dean of our faculty and Rector Emeritus of Masaryk University, Prof. RNDr. Eduard Schmidt, CSc.
On this occasion, the dean of the faculty, Prof. Tomáš Kašparovský, laid a wreath on his grave at the Řečkovice cemetery, accompanied by the incoming dean, Prof. Luděk Bláha, and other representatives of our faculty. Together, they paid a silent tribute to him.
Professor Eduard Schmidt was born on December 11, 1935, in Uherské Hradiště. After graduating from the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University with a degree in physics in 1958 and earning his doctorate in experimental physics in 1966, he devoted his entire professional career to Masaryk University. He began at the Department of Experimental Physics at the then Jan Evangelista Purkyně University and spent decades dedicated to solid-state physics—as a respected scientist and researcher, and as a teacher who influenced generations of students.
After 1990, he also became deeply involved in the academic leadership of the university. He served as dean of the Faculty of Science for two years, then as rector of Masaryk University for six years, followed by another six years as vice-rector for research and development. He played a significant role in shaping the university’s modern identity and was one of the key figures behind the establishment of the University Campus in Bohunice. He also served on numerous scientific councils, was a member of the Board of Directors of Brno University of Technology, and was part of the Czech Government Council for Science and Research.
Professor Schmidt was an extraordinary personality—an outstanding scientist, an inspiring teacher, and a respected rector who left an indelible mark on academic life and society. As an active member of cultural and social institutions, he fulfilled the ideal of serving education and the public. For his achievements, he received the City of Brno Award (2012) and the Masaryk University Gold Medal.
We remember his exceptional personality with respect and gratitude.
Photo: Jiří Salik Sláma
