7-28-25: Passing of Adjunct Assistant Professor Jo-Ann Winter

TO: John Jay College Community
FROM: Keisha Pottinger-Moore, Director of Human Resources Operations
DATE: July 28, 2025
RE:  Passing of Adjunct Assistant Professor Jo-Ann Winter

It is with sadness that I share the news that Jo-Ann Stephanie Gracielle Winter, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Public Management Department at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York, passed away on June 30, 2025 at the age of 37.

Jo-Ann Winter was an Adjunct Assistant Professor born and raised in Suriname. She migrated to New York with her parents at the age of 12. She completed her Master's of Science degree in Accounting from CUNY Queens College. While at Lehman Macaulay Honors College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Spanish, she completed an athletic journey with the Lehman Lightning team, earning 3 CUNY Athletic Conference championships. She was competing in both track and all field events: 55 meters, 100 meters, 200 meters sprinting dashes, shot put, javelin, discus, weight throw, and hammer. 

She was actively involved with the union, District Council 37, Local 1407 as an Executive Board member and is fluent in Dutch, Dutch Creole and Spanish. Her expertise was in investigations, white collar crime and law enforcement. She was invited to testify as an expert witness at a grand jury session. A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS). Jo-Ann was most passionate about imparting some of her knowledge and experience with her students at John Jay through courses taught in Principles of Accounting and Managerial Accounting. 

As we mourn her passing, let us honor her young life and the lasting impact she has had on her students.  “Jo-Ann was only 37 years old and really was a treasure.  Taken way too soon.  She had so much to give,” noted by a colleague.

The singi neti (wake) was held on Sunday, July 6 at Prijari Street No. 8A, Geyersvlijt. The funeral service took place on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Hodie Mihi Cras Tibi Cemetery, Dr. Sophie Redmond Street 246 (Hennep Hall).

Faculty and staff members (and families) can access free services through the Employee Assistance Program: CCA@YourService. Call 1-800-833-8707 or go to www.myccaonline.com, or download the CCA@YourService App. Code: CUNY.  For mental health, access 3 free counseling sessions for each issue of concern.