SUBJECT:

UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Denice Denton

We were stunned and deeply saddened to learn of Chancellor Denice Denton's tragic death on Saturday, June 24, 2006. Although she had served as leader of the Santa Cruz campus for only a little more than a year and a half, she had already begun significant efforts to enhance access, particularly for groups that had been traditionally underrepresented, while building an excellent faculty at UCSC. She was known nationally and internationally for her strong advocacy for women and minorities, particularly in science and engineering, and for her absolute commitment to diversity as a crucial element in strengthening public higher education. Her own career reflected these values, and she has made, as well, seminal scholarly contributions to electrical engineering and materials science. She was a tireless worker for the rights and opportunities of others, and her passionate leadership in improving higher education has been an inspiration to all of us who had the privilege to work with her.

Even more, however, she was a treasured friend. I personally will remember her fondly and with the greatest respect.

I know I speak for the entire UC San Diego community in offering our sincerest sympathy to her partner Gretchen Kalonji and all other members of her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult period.

Marye Anne Fox Chancellor