News release from UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and Environmental Resources Group. Text below.

Remembering John Romankiewicz (MPP/MS-ERG ‘16)

The Goldman School of Public Policy and the Energy and Resources Group mourns the passing of John Romankiewicz (MPP/MS-ERG ‘16). Known to his friends as “Sustainable John” or “Susty,” John was a tireless advocate for clean energy and a more sustainable climate. 

“Susty was a source of joy and renewable energy,” said Dan Kammen, professor at the Goldman School and in the Energy and Resources Group. “He knew we needed facts and figures but also a human touch. I miss his effusive approach already.”

“At ERG, John inspired us all with poetry, humor, and larger-than-life commitment to living sustainably,” said Duncan Callway, acting chair of the Energy and Resources Group. “It's hard to overstate the positive impact he had on others' motivation to make our world a better place.” 

For the past five years, John worked for the Sierra Club as a senior analyst in the Beyond Coal Campaign. He was also a dedicated mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area program and, after graduation, continued to invest in the Goldman School community.

“John’s intelligence and creativity shone in the GSPP community,” said Kari Hamilton Anders, Associate Director of Career Services who served as John’s career advisor. “His warm, friendly, laid-back personality was always a joy to meet with. His welcome and embrace of the GSPP community continued after he graduated, from hosting a GSPP student for a summer internship at the Sierra Club to always being open to talking with a current student.”

In his free time, John was also a poet, a polyglot, and an entrepreneur. Inspired by his time living in Beijing, he launched Jian Bing Johnny and served up the popular street food from the back of his bike.

Donations in John’s honor can be made to the following organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area, the Sierra Club, and the Sunrise Movement.