It is with great sorrow that we announce former Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Marjorie Caserio passed away on April 13. Her distinguished career included notable contributions as an eminent researcher, educator, author and academic administrator. She was 92 years old.
Caserio joined UC San Diego in 1990 and served as vice chancellor of academic affairs until August 1995. In October 1995 she was appointed interim chancellor of UC San Diego.
Prior to joining UC San Diego, Caserio was a founding member of the faculty of UC Irvine. Starting in 1965, she progressed through the UC Irvine tenure ranks over 25 years, with service that included roles in the academic senate (1982-1986) and as chair of the Department of Chemistry (1987-1990). She also served from 1984 to 1986 as the faculty representative to the UC Board of Regents.
Born in London, Caserio received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Chelsea College at the University of London in 1950. She earned her master’s and doctorate in organic chemistry from Bryn Mawr College. She served at Caltech for eight years, two as a postdoctoral research fellow and six as a senior research fellow, before joining the University of California.
As an educator, Caserio will always be recognized for excellence in teaching both undergraduate and graduate students. During the 1960s and 1970s, her book “Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry” was the most widely used undergraduate organic chemistry textbook in the nation. As a researcher, she published more than 70 research articles primarily in the area of organic reaction mechanisms.
Caserio’s accomplishments had a tremendously positive impact across the UC San Diego campus. During her tenure as vice chancellor, she raised more than $1 million for graduate student fellowships. She also headed efforts to establish an undergraduate major in connection with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, a new major in women’s studies, a department of ethnic studies and a new doctorate program in mathematics and science education.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 2021 launched the Marjorie Caserio Undergraduate Excellence Award, which recognizes undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and dedication to advancing the professional community, through community involvement, contributions to diversity, leadership, overcoming adversity and research accomplishments.
Among her many honors, Caserio in 2019 received the Revelle Medal, the highest honor given by the Chancellor to a retired or emeriti UC San Diego faculty member. She was named a recipient of the American Chemical Society’s “Service Through Chemistry” award that honors those who have made significant contributions in applying chemistry to solve problems of interest in Southern California. She was awarded the Garvan Medal from the American Chemical Society, which recognizes women in chemistry for their distinguished scientific accomplishments, leadership and service. She also received the Dickson Award from UC San Diego in 2012.
After her retirement in 1997, Caserio continued making valuable contributions to UC San Diego and to the University of California system through various outlets, including: UC San Diego Emeriti Association vice president, 1999-2000; Emeriti Association president, 2000-2001; Emeriti Association immediate past president; Council of UC Emeriti Associations (CUCEA) chair in 1999-2000, immediate past chair in 2000-01, CUCEA information officer from 2003-04 to 2008-09 and CUCEA webmaster until her passing; she also wrote the CUCEA Newsletter for each biannual meeting from 2011-2018.
Caserio was an active participant in the UC San Diego Emeriti Mentor program and participated in Chancellor’s Scholars meetings, providing helpful feedback to students with their presentations. She remained active in the American Chemical Society and helped to form and oversee the ACS’s first Graduate Education Office. Her advice and persistence were critical in helping the ACS understand the need to make graduate education a priority alongside K-12 and undergraduate education.
Caserio is survived by her husband Fred and sons Alan and Brian.
Donations in Caserio’s memory can be made to the Duke Cancer Institute, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego.
