It saddens me to announce the passing of Jack Baskin, an engineer and entrepreneur whose philanthropy helped shape modern-day UC Santa Cruz. Baskin, whose generous gift helped launch our Jack Baskin School of Engineering, died at his home in Carmel on Jan. 12, 2020. He turned 100 in September, and campus marked the occasion with a special celebration.
While Jack Baskin's name will forever be associated with our school of engineering, his impact can be seen in every corner of campus, both through his philanthropy and leadership. Between gifts made along with his late wife Elena Baskin, and gifts given through the Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation that he created with his wife of 24 years, Jack Baskin touched every academic division with his generosity.
He gave more than money. His involvement with UC Santa Cruz spanned nearly 50 years, starting in the 1970s when our first chancellor asked him to serve on a planning committee. He would end up serving as a UC Santa Cruz Foundation trustee for more than 30 years including two stints as chair. He was also generous with his advice to faculty and campus leaders.
We were fortunate that Jack Baskin understood what makes UC Santa Cruz unique, and for his deep support of our campus. Our campus is forever grateful to both Jack and Peggy Baskin for their transformative generosity. You can learn more about Jack Baskin in a story posted on our campus news center.
My condolences to the Baskin family: wife Peggy Downes Baskin, daughters Marianna Baskin Gabriel Mejia and Elaine Baskin, stepson Nicholas Baran, their spouses and children, as well as an extended family of loved ones.
