In Memoriam
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In Memoriam: Todd Newberry
A beloved teacher with a conviction in the power of a liberal arts education, Newberry inspired thousands of students to approach life with both wonder and, most importantly, incisive questions.
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In Memoriam – Teresa de Lauretis (1938-2026)
A pioneering thinker who brought semiotics and psychoanalytic theory to bear upon cinematic representations of desire, de Lauretis taught at the University of California, Santa Cruz, from the mid-1980s until her retirement in 2008 as Distinguished Professor Emerita.
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In Memoriam: Sue Matthews
Sue was a valued member of the UC Santa Cruz community, serving in a variety of roles across the Colleges and Housing from 1999-2023.
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In Memoriam: Joel Primack
Distinguished emeritus professor was a towering figure in theoretical physics and cosmology, a visionary educator, dedicated mentor, and passionate advocate for the role of science in society
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In Memoriam: William Scott
The longtime professor of chemistry and biochemistry is remembered by family, friends, and colleagues for his immense intellect, generosity, and contributions to advance scientific research
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Why math and musical prodigy Tom Lehrer was so well-suited for young UC Santa Cruz
The uncomfortably famous satirical songwriter taught as a Cowell College fellow from 1972 to 2001
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In Memoriam: Allen Van Gelder
Remembering Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Allen Van Gelder
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In Memoriam: Professor David Lee Cuthbert, Performance, Play and Design
David Lee Cuthbert, Professor of Performance, Play and Design (PPD), passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2025. Cuthbert was a dedicated educator and designer, serving as part of the Theater Arts faculty for 25 years. His passing is a profound loss for the Arts Division and for UC Santa Cruz.
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In Memoriam: Professor Zsuzsanna (Zsuzsi) I. Abrams
Zsuzsanna I. Abrams, Professor of Applied Linguistics and German, passed away on Sept. 23, 2024. Abrams was an esteemed scholar, dedicated educator, and cherished colleague whose passing leaves an indelible void in the Humanities Division and at UC Santa Cruz.
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Tech industry leader and UC Santa Cruz alumna Susan Wojcicki dies at 56
Susan Wojcicki, a visionary tech executive and former CEO of YouTube, passed away August 9, 2024, at the age of 56.
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In Memoriam: Jacob Michaelsen
Professor Emeritus of Economics Jacob “Jack” Michaelsen passed away on July 11, 2024. He joined UC Santa Cruz as an assistant professor during the campus’s founding in 1965 and served as chair of the Economics Department three times.
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In Memoriam: Larry Polansky
Composer, theorist, and professor emeritus Larry Polansky passed away on May 9, 2024 at age 69. Following a successful career in the music industry, Polansky (‘77, math and music) returned to the UC Santa Cruz campus in 2013 to join the Music Department faculty. He retired in 2019, but his years here left a lasting…