Fogarty Center Communicator Makulowich Is Mourned
By Jan Ehrman

John Makulowich, communications director for the Fogarty International Center, died at home of a heart attack on Mar. 11. He was 63.

A journalist and communications professional for more than 20 years, he most recently managed the FIC communications office and served as both webmaster and public liaison officer. Prior to that, he was a speechwriter for NIH director Dr. Elias Zerhouni in the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, OD.

"John took great pride in his work as a communicator," Zerhouni said. "His writing talent was of great service to me personally when I first arrived at NIH and I will always remember his passion for and dedication to the NIH mission."

John Burklow, NIH associate director for communications and public liaison, said, "This was shocking, sad news for all of us. Our hearts go out to John's wife and his children. John had an incredible work ethic and contributed tremendously to the NIH director's office during his time here. I will miss him, both as a coworker and a friend."

Makulowich received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va., and a master's degree in philosophy from Boston University. He was also a Ph.D. candidate in philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley.

Makulowich was well-known in the areas of publishing, teaching, public speaking and information dissemination. He published internationally on biomedicine, information technology, the Internet, corporate management and the environment. He was an expert on use of the Internet, traveling abroad throughout his career to discuss technological issues. He was also respected as both a mentor and for his skill in teaching how to navigate the World Wide Web.

Makulowich taught a number of classes focusing on the web and other computer topics both as an adjunct professor at George Washington University and at the Center for Information Technology.

"John was a great friend to CIT training," said Kristen Dunn-Thomason, chief of CIT's computer training section. "His fun personality, ability to take complex topics and make them understandable to a layperson and know-ledge of IT made him one of the highest-rated instructors in the history of the program."

Makulowich wrote a biweekly column, "On the Ledge," from 2001-2002 for USA Today. The feature offered readers a "better grasp of the high-tech adventures that lie ahead," according to the publication.

He worked with more than 250 organizations, including the federal government, trade associations, universities and corporations. In 1998, he received the first annual Post-Newsweek Business Information, Inc., Editorial Excellence Award. He also appeared on television and radio.

He had also been affiliated over the years with Booz Allen Hamilton, the Electric Vehicle Council and the Writers Alliance.

Makulowich was a member of the National Association of Science Writers, Toastmasters International and the Washington Speechwriters Roundtable.

He was fond of music-in particular, jazz and Bob Dylan- reading and playing tennis.

Makulowich is survived by his wife Gail and two children, Sean and Ashley, of North Potomac.

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