Engineering Legend Professor Ted de Winter Passes at 93

UPDATE: Renowned engineering professor Ted de Winter has passed away at the age of 93, leaving a profound legacy on October 17, 2025. His dedication to teaching at Boston University spanned over five decades, during which he transformed the lives of countless students.

De Winter began his teaching career as an adjunct professor in 1963, even before the establishment of the College of Engineering. His impact was not only measured by accolades, such as being named Engineering Professor of the Year four times and winning the Metcalf Award for excellence in teaching in 2002, but also through the lives he touched and inspired.

Survived by his wife, Stormy Attaway, a fellow BU engineering professor, and his beloved dog Hamish, de Winter leaves behind a rich family legacy, including three daughters, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Professor de Winter’s teaching philosophy emphasized practical engineering skills along with personal attributes necessary for success. His mantra was clear: projects must be completed on time, to specifications, and within budget. Alumni, like Tye Brady (ENG’90), credit de Winter for their professional success, stating, “He forever changed my life as an engineer.”

The breadth of de Winter’s influence was evident in the popularity of his Engineering Economy course, which became a staple for students across various engineering disciplines. “In my engineering training, especially in manufacturing engineering classes with Professor de Winter, I was taught to get to the root of the problem,” said Marissa Fayer (ENG’00), who has since become a successful CEO and entrepreneur.

De Winter was also deeply involved in service to the university, earning the College of Engineering’s Service Award in 1997 and serving in various leadership roles, including as Chair of the BU Faculty Council. His commitment extended beyond the classroom; he was the faculty representative to the NCAA and initiated the Ted de Winter Challenge in 2008 to boost alumni participation in the Engineering Annual Fund.

Born in 1932 in Winterthur, Switzerland, de Winter faced adversity during his childhood in the Netherlands under German occupation. After moving to Argentina post-World War II, he relocated to the United States to attend Bowdoin College, later earning multiple degrees from MIT. His journey shaped his identity as an engineer and educator, with a belief that “Bowdoin made him an American, and MIT made him an engineer.”

His legacy will continue through initiatives like the Theo de Winter Faculty Fellowship, established to honor faculty who impact students through teaching and mentoring. De Winter was also an avid fly fisherman and loved spending time on his farm in southern New Hampshire.

As the engineering community mourns the loss of this remarkable educator, the question remains: how do we measure the impact of a teacher like Professor de Winter? His influence transcends numbers, manifesting in the lives of thousands of students who carry his teachings into their careers and beyond.

NEXT: As tributes pour in from students and colleagues, the university plans to honor his memory and contributions in upcoming events. Stay tuned for more updates on Professor de Winter’s legacy and how the engineering community will carry forward his vision of excellence in education.