Walter Hojda

Born:	08-31-1918
Faculty:	Medical School | Medical University Vienna
Category:	Expelled student

Walter HOJDA, born on August 31^st, 1918 in Vienna/Austria (entitled residency ("heimatberechtigt") for Vienna/Austria, Citizenship: Austria), son of Ignaz Hojda (merchant), lived in Vienna 2^nd district, Lampigasse 19/18, was enrolled finally in the spring term 1938 at the Medical School in the 2nd year of his studies (Leaving Certificate ("Abgangszeugnis") was issued on May 25^th, 1938). After his removal from the University in 1938, Walter Hojda and his father, Ignatz, decided  to leave Austria and join Walter’s mother, Helen, who had emigrated to England. At some point during their attempt to leave, Walter and his father were pursued by the authorities. They decided to separate to avoid being caught. He never again heard from his father. Walter Hojda was successful in eventually reaching France where he was able to contact his aunt who lived in California.  She acted as his sponsor to enable him to come to the United States.  Walter landed in New York in 1938, and traveled from there to California. 
Walter Hojda was offered work at Blum’s Department Store in San Jose, California. He eventually attended University of California at Berkeley in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, earning degrees in entomology and pharmacy.
He went on to marry Dolores Piazza. They had three children, Monica, Mary Ellen and Stephen. Walter lived and raised his children in San Jose. He passed away in San Jose on May 4^th, 1992. He was successful in his profession and was the owner of his own business, Palm Pharmacy. He became very active in the Catholic Church, and was recognized by numerous organizations for his contributions to the  Church community.

Lit.: POSCH/INGRISCH/DRESSEL 2008, 406; Archive of the University of Vienna/Enrollment forms ("Nationale") PHIL 1937-1938; information from his godchild Christopher Schroeder, 2012.

Herbert Posch