In Memoriam: Purchasing Officer Mark Sachnik

By: Office of Media Relations | Jan. 3, 2008

Mark D. Sachnik

The UT Dallas community and many beyond were saddened to learn Thursday of the passing of Mark D. Sachnik, ’95 SOM, who served the University for eight years as a buyer in the purchasing department, specializing in computer and high-tech equipment.  Mark died sometime during the winter break.

Although many at UT Dallas knew Mark through his excellent help in obtaining the hardware and software that drive the work of the University, he was known locally and nationally for his efforts  to build understanding of individuals coping with autism.

Mark described himself as having autism/Asperger Syndrome.  He wrote and spoke frequently about coping with autism, and credited  family members and friends and the discipline of exercise, cycling primarily, with helping him succeed.  He was an avid bicyclist who rode more than 10,000 miles in 2007.

Services are as follows: A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul the Apostle Church,
720 S. Floyd Road, Richardson. A memorial service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow at the church.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to:
Autism Society of Collin County
Mark Sachnik Memorial Fund
PO Box 261209
Plano, TX 75026-1209

Contributions can also be taken to the UT Dallas Procurement Management office (AD3.418) for forwarding.