Vladimir Stjepan Stubican

Vladimir S. Stubican, age 92 of Sarasota, Florida passed away in his home on Sunday, November 13, 2016. A native Croatian, he was born in Bjelovar to Stjepan and Mira Stubican on June 23, 1924. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Bozena Stubican, to whom he was married for 70 years. He is also survived by his son Miroslav, daughter Juliet and three grandchildren Sofia, Claes and Lukas.

Growing up in former Yugoslavia, he survived World War 2, despite being shot in the knee, completed University as a Chemical Engineer and earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Zagreb. After losing most material possessions during the war, Vladimir and Bozena immigrated to the United States with their 10 year-old son, Miroslav, in 1958 with two suitcases. They left everyone and everything they knew behind in search of a better life and Vladimir became a Professor of Material Science and Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. He remained there until his retirement in 1993 and was named a Professor Emeritus.

Vladimir was passionate about his work and woke up every day yearning to go to the University. He was a scholar and had a love and curiosity for learning, something which he communicated to all around him. He was a researcher, a teacher of graduate students and a mentor to many. While giving his time and energy to the pursuit of research, he touched people professionally and personally. Several of his students asked his advice on whom they should marry. Recently Vladimir was so touched when he learned of a scholarship started in his name from a former student who stated that Vladimir had “changed his life.” The Scholarship at the Pennsylvania State University is called the “Professor Vladimir Stubican Undergraduate Scholarship in Material Science and Engineering.”

In the year 2000, Vladimir was named by the Cambridge University, England, as one of the 2,000 outstanding scientists and educators of the 20th century. Vladimir received a medal of honour for his achievements and was cited for his work on the structure of silicates, the nature of atomic defects in ionic solids, and solidification and diffusion studies in oxides. Vladimir also was also listed in an American Biographical Institute publication, 1,000 World Leaders of Influence, as a scientist who made significant contributions to society and his profession.

The passion in Vladimir shown in the twinkle in his eye and his unending charm. He would make people laugh. He also had a robust character devoted to truth and a strong moral code. He was tough but fair. He loved his family. During his last few years, despite his frailness and weakened state, he was still so concerned for others around him. He will be missed.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Incarnation, 2901 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, Florida on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 3 pm.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider supporting the Professor Vladimir Stubican Scholarship in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State University. Make checks payable to Penn State and send to: Penn State University, Professor Vladimir Stubican Scholarship, One Old Main, University Park, PA 16802 or go online to giveto.PSU.edu. On the main page select "Colleges" chose Earth & Mineral Sciences "other" and on the next page that requests credit card info, put "Materials Science, Vladimir Stubican Scholarship Fund" in the "Comments" section.