Memorial events commemorate the life of Professor Aaronette White

Two events commemorating the life of UC Santa Cruz psychology professor Aaronette White are planned for Friday, May 31, and June 1, 2013 on the UCSC campus.

White died of a cerebral aneurysm August 13, 2012 at her Santa Cruz home. She was 51.

A memorial gathering will take place Friday, May 31, from 6-8 p.m. at the Cowell Fireside Lounge organized by students with the African American Resource and Cultural Center.

Saturday, June 1, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. the Psychology Department will officially open the Aaronette White Library and Reflection Room to house some of White's books and other materials. White's family donated her extensive book collection to the department.

Psychology chair Heather Bullock said the room will be a "a special space and we hope that it will be widely used." The campus community and public is invited to share memories and enjoy good company and conversation, Bullock said. Light refreshments will be available. The room opening is co-sponsored by the Psychology Department and African American Resource and Cultural Center.

White joined UCSC in 2008 and shortly before her death had been named associate dean for equity and social responsibility of the Division of Social Sciences. She earned her A.B. from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. Previously, she had affiliations with a variety of institutions around the world including Pennsylvania State University, Harvard University, the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, and the University of Amsterdam.

She edited the book African Americans Doing Feminism: Putting Theory into Everyday Practice, her second collection of personal stories. Her earlier book, Ain't I a Feminist? African American Men Speak Out on Fatherhood, Friendship, Forgiveness, and Freedom focused on the feminist experiences of black men.

More information is available from the African American Resource and Cultural Center at aarcc@ucsc.edu or 831-459-2427.