Dedication to former UCSC Chancellor Denice D. Denton

As a University of California, Santa Cruz alumna and Lifetime UCSC Alumni Association member, I'm dedicating this blog posting to former UCSC Chancellor Denice D. Denton.

Denise Denton was a scientist who encouraged women and girls to study science, technology, engineering and math and was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her legacy includes the doors of opportunity in science and engineering thrown open wider for women and men of color.

Even though Ms. Denton was after my time at the school, I'm still proud of what she accomplished. I'm sorry to read about all the negative things she went through during her time as UC Santa Cruz Chancellor. From physical intimidation to being under a microscope 24/7.

As a former student, I remember how idealist and vocal people could be. Unfortunately that came without the life experience to really judge how big a deal things actually are. I didn't think anything anything Ms. Denton was involved in merited people throwing large objects through her window, as I read in some articles. I'm in the camp of people to believe that the University of California Governance, Office of the President and Board of Regents, failed her by not giving her the support she needed to succeed. I don't care if previous Chancellors needed the same type of support or not. Each person's situation is unique.

Some articles and websites if you want to read more about the death of former UCSC Chancellor Denice D. Denton.

• Let Denton's Legacy Be An End To Wounds From Glass Ceilings, by By M.R.C. Greenwood and Anne Peterson, San Jose Mercury News, July 2, 2006
• Denice Denton | 1959-2006, A feeling of 'siege', by Julia Prodis Sulek, San Jose Mercury News, July 2, 2006
• Denton's thyroid problems, by Jim Hu, blogs for industry...blogs for the dead, June 29, 2006
• Remember Denton as a Pioneer for Women, by Sue Hutchison, San Jose Mercury News, June 28, 2006
  
• UC Santa Cruz: Remembering Chancellor Denton, UCSC public website, June 25, 2006
  
• Seeing The World From Both Sides, Yomi S. Wronge, San Jose Mercury News, July 16, 2006

_________________________________________________
Tragic Death of Chancellor Denice D. Denton
UCSC Alumni Association
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 4:48:57 PM


Dear UCSC Alumni:

In case you have not already heard, it is with deep sadness that we bring you the news of the tragic death of UCSC Chancellor Denice D. Denton who died on Saturday, June 24, 2006, in San Francisco. For more information please see http://www.ucsc.edu/administration/denice_denton/

As the campus community mourns her loss, the following memorial arrangements have been made:

Memorial service:

The life and extraordinary achievements of Denice D. Denton, ninth chancellor of UC Santa Cruz, will be celebrated at a memorial service at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 29, in the Recital Hall of the UCSC Music Center. A reception will immediately follow the service.

The memorial service will be simulcast both at the campus's Media Theater and outside the entrance to the Music Recital Hall.

Parking is available at the Performing Arts parking lot. Overflow parking is available at the Core West parking structure; shuttles will be on hand to transport attendees to and from the Music Recital Hall from the Core West parking structure.

For more information about the memorial service, please contact the UC Santa Cruz Special Events Office (831-459-5003) or specialevents@ucsc.edu.

Memorial fund:

A memorial fund has been established to honor Chancellor Denton's vision and priorities for UC Santa Cruz. Memorial contributions may be made by visiting our web site at: http://www.ucsc.edu/administration/denice_denton/memorial_fund.asp

Condolence notes and flowers can be sent to her family:

c/o Office of the Chancellor
200 Clark Kerr Hall
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064