U Ba Win of Great Barrington, MA passed peacefully at his home after a short illness, surrounded by his family, on April 20, 2025.
Born on February 26, 1947 in Yangon, Myanmar, Ba Win (as he was known to friends and family) came to the United States in 1965 to attend college. He married his dear wife and partner Judith (nee Dietz) on November 25, 1972, and became a naturalized citizen in 1979.
He is survived by Judith, his beloved children, Amey Win, Zaw Win, Taya Win, and Aung Zaw Lyn, his cherished grandchildren, Avery, Zeya, Maggie, Henry, Beckett and Caleb (with another, Nela, on the way), and four siblings.
Ba Win received his BA from Kalamazoo College and his MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. Along with Judith he began his long career as an educator at Interlocken International Summer Camp in Windsor, NH, first leading trips and later as administrators for Crossroads, the student travel branch of the organization which took youth
groups on service and exploratory trips all around the world.
For more than 40 years, Ba Win was an integral member of the leadership team of Bard College at Simon’s Rock, serving as Dean of Students, Provost and Vice President. He also had a leading role in organizing the pioneering Bard High School Early College program in New York City, and its subsequent expansion throughout the United States.
In addition to his profound impact on generations of Simon’s Rock and Bard students, Ba Win worked tirelessly to provide educational opportunities in Myanmar, helping to support orphanages and create liberal arts institutions. He believed in the essential link between a Liberal education and freedom and democracy, and he helped numerous Burmese students continue their studies in the United States. Ba Win was always ready with a kind word, thoughtful guidance, or a delicious meal and he will be missed by everyone who came in contact with him
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Metta Partners at
http://www.mettapartners.org/#donate, which continues many of Ba Win’s educational efforts in
Myanmar.
A memorial will be held at 1pm on Monday, May 26th at the Daniel Arts Center at Bard College
at Simon's Rock.