UC Santa CruzChancellor Denton
[Photo of Chancellor Denton]


We would like to thank the San Jose Mercury News, which is maintaining its own online guest book for people to submit remembrances of Chancellor Denton.

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Remembrances from Friends & Colleagues

David S. Kliger, UCSC Campus Provost: "She led this campus with clear statements of the importance of education in transforming lives and in creating opportunities for all." [More]

Robert C. Dynes, UC President: "Her life and work demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and to improving opportunity for the disadvantaged and underrepresented." [More]

Robert J. Birgeneau, UC Berkeley Chancellor: "She was absolutely passionate about the importance of having an inclusive university community." [More]

Larry N. Vanderhoef, UC Davis Chancellor: "Denice was a gifted and accomplished colleague, with so much potential that tragically will now go unrealized. The UC family has suffered a great loss."

John D. Wiley, UW-Madison Chancellor: "Her positive influence on public higher education extended far beyond the campuses where she served." [More]

Betty Shanahan, Executive Director & CEO, Society of Women Engineers: "Her efforts in creating a more inclusive engineering profession have impacted not only many individuals but has benefited the entire profession."

UCSC Student Union Assembly, UCSC Graduate Student Association, UC Student Association: "She broke new ground as the first openly gay chancellor, was at the forefront of the UC Sweatshop Free Campaign, and showed her commitment to diversity by providing funding for student-initiated outreach programs." [More]

Anu Luther Maitra, UCSC Foundation President: "I admired Denice for her intellectual and emotional dedication to the cause of the underprivileged and the disenfranchised and for steadfastly translating that passion into action. Denice was a rare gift to Academe and I felt privileged to work with her."

Shirley Ann Jackson, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President: "I am proud to have called Denice Denton a friend and colleague. She effected change whereever she went and was a champion of the 'underrepresented majority' of women and minorities. Denice lived and fought for her ideals. Transformational leaders like Denice are often not appreciated until they are gone. Those of us who share in Dr. Denton's aspirations for a more diverse tomorrow, and the inclusion of all talent in the fields of mathematics and science, will continue to carry her vision forward."

The UW ADVANCE Team: "As Principal Investigator of the UW's ADVANCE program, Denice's vision of enlightened leadership helped many women faculty succeed on our campus. She helped build a strong community of department chairs in the STEM fields through ADVANCE's leadership development program for chairs and deans. True to Denice's vision of how helping women faculty in STEM leads to helping the broader academic community, UW plans to extend this ADVANCE leadership model throughout the entire campus."

Dave Miller and David Bell, Staff Advisors to The UC Regents: "Denice was a strong supporter of the Staff Advisor program and was proud of working for a university whose president and board would take the historic step of including staff on its Board of Regents."

J. Michael Bishop, UCSF Chancellor: "The University has lost a talented and vigorous leader, and I have lost a newfound friend whose imagination, intelligence and commitment to the purposes of higher education were second to none."

Francisco J. Rosado-May, Visiting Researcher, UCSC Agroecology: "Please send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chancellor Denton. She will be remembered by us (my family and colleagues in Agroecology) as a woman of exceptional achievements."

Albert Carnesale, UCLA Chancellor: "All of us at UCLA are shocked and saddened by the death of Denice Denton. This is a tragic loss to her family and friends, to the UCSC community, to the broader UC family, and to all who support access to excellence for underrepresented students. Chancellor Denton will be greatly missed, but the legacy of her leadership in advancing diversity, especially in science and engineering, will live on."

Virginia Hinshaw, UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor: "UC Davis is deeply saddened by the death of Denice Denton. A number of us, especially women in science, had long-term professional and personal relationships with Denice and her leadership will be sorely missed. Denice was a tireless leader in ensuring that all people had opportunities and, if they didn't, creating such opportunities. All of us feel this loss deeply but we should also feel the responsibility to fulfill her goal of providing opportunities for all."

Nancy Hopkins, Amgen Professor of Biology, MIT: "Denice Denton was a heroine who used her vast talent to serve others and improve the world. The higher she rose, the more she worked to raise others. It should be easy to open fields of science and engineering to the diverse population that we are in this country, but it isn't. Instead it is a struggle that requires commitment, vision, and courage. Denice was a national leader in this regard. She set the bar almost impossibly high and inspired the rest of us to follow her lead. Along the way, she offered us her warmth, life, energy and fun-loving self as inspiration and as companion. I will miss her terribly and will long wonder if she paid a price for being too brave, for being different, and for being so deeply decent."

France A. Córdova, UC Riverside Chancellor: "Chancellor Denton was UCR's choice as keynote speaker at its faculty forum on diversity in Spring 2005. At our campus meeting she showed the clarity, passion, and humor that were her trademarks as a public speaker. She explained how enhancing the diversity of the faculty at her previous institution, the University of Washington where she was Dean of the College of Engineering, increased scholarly and research awards, thereby strengthening the overall quality of her college. Her programs advancing women and girls in science, engineering, and math became role models for other higher education institutions in the country. She will be dearly missed by her colleagues at UC and all who have known her."

Donna J. Dean, President, Association for Women in Science: "Words are inadequate to express the deep sense of loss for those of us who were privileged to be among Denice's colleagues and friends. She was never afraid to stand up for those underrepresented in science and engineering. Denice was always willing to carry the message wherever and whenever it needed to be heard and to encourage others when they needed a hearty "you can do it." In honoring and remembering one so vibrant, so energetic, and so visionary, we can recommit ourselves to making it a world where the cost of commitment to a just cause is not so dear."

Daniel Pitt, Dean of Engineering, Santa Clara University: "Denice Denton's death is a tragedy not only for herself and her family and loved ones but also for the thousands she inspired by breaking down the barriers to achievement for so many. Her legacy of success for women in engineering and for those in all professions who have been marginalized by prejudice will endure for decades to come. I hope that somehow she knows that."

Marye Anne Fox, UC San Diego Chancellor: "Although Chancellor Denton served as leader of the Santa Cruz campus for only a little more than a year and a half, she had already begun significant efforts to enhance access, particularly for groups that had been traditionally underrepresented, while building an excellent faculty at UCSC. She was known nationally and internationally for her strong advocacy for women and minorities, particularly in science and engineering, and for her absolute commitment to diversity as a crucial element in strengthening public higher education. Her own career reflected these values, and she made, as well, seminal scholarly contributions to electrical engineering and materials science. She was a tireless worker for the rights and opportunities of others, and her passionate leadership in improving higher education has been an inspiration to all of us who had the privilege to work with her. Even more, however, she was a treasured friend."

Martha J. Kanter, Chancellor, Foothill-De Anza Community College District: "Denice Denton was a truly dynamic leader—a brilliant engineer, a scholar, and a dedicated advocate for women, girls and minorities, enabling their pursuit of scientific, engineering and technological fields of study. That she accomplished so much at such a young age is her legacy. My heart goes out to all whose lives she touched as an educator, a visionary leader, and a humanitarian in the truest sense. This tragedy is a call to all of us to continue the highest forms of leadership in achieving equity, diversity, and educational excellence for all, and to support each other in doing so."

Lynn Jacob, Mail Services: "The thing that impressed me most about Chancellor Denton was the way she spoke about diversity; understanding the need for it and striving to encourage more and more on the UCSC campus. I don't think I'm alone when I say that, as a person of multiple minorities, one develops a sense of "who really gets it" and who is just mouthing the words we all long to hear. I could tell that Denice "got it." Though I only got to speak to her on a few occasions, I knew in my heart that this quiet, reserved, brilliant woman wanted everyone to know the view from the mountain top."

Beth Pruitt, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University: "During my years as a Ph.D. student at Stanford, I had the privilege to meet Denice and hear her speak several times about her career and academics. She overcame so many challenges with aplomb in situations where most people would have walked away. She provided candid, open advice about academics, friendship, mentors and the importance of maintaining relationships that have guided me in my career and interactions. She was one of the most influential women I ever met. She and my sister both received Presidential mentoring awards the same year and I was delighted to be there on the day when two of my best mentors were honored. I will miss her very much. We have all suffered a great loss with her departure."

Jeanne Swack, University of Wisconsin-Madison: "I was one of those lucky assistant professors to be energetically and passionately mentored by Denice Denton at the University of Wisconsin (and I'm not even in a science-engineering department). Without her, I'm not sure I would still be here. I am truly shocked by her death."

Nancy Cantor, Chancellor and President, Syracuse University: "Denice’s death is a devastating loss for so many of us in higher education who work daily to allow everyone the chance for a seat at the table. The death of someone so young, who has achieved so much, is also tragic because we know how much more good she would have done in her life. Her courage and honesty led her to be one of the first openly lesbian leaders in higher education. I urge that we renew our efforts to work together toward the transformational changes Denice envisioned in issues of diversity in gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity in higher education. We must create universities in which a multiplicity of experiences and beliefs are appreciated and celebrated."

M.R.C. Greenwood, Professor of Nutrition and Internal Medicine, UC Davis: "Denice Denton was a woman of courage, integrity and quality.  She was a national and international leader for women and, in particular, women scientists. She forcefully exposed the rampant discrimination that continues to exist in higher education and academe and exquisitely defended the inherent intellectual gender equality of women in science careers when it was challenged by Harvard's former president. There was no stronger voice for for the need to ensure that the nation understood that women and minorities were the critical emerging factor for the future of the nation's brain trust and creativity. She will be remembered by her friends at the University of California and her legion of national colleagues for this, and other legacies. While we have lost her physical presence, her legacy, her values and her hard work will stand as an eternal tribute to a life cut short but permanently indelible. She will be deeply missed."

David L. Atsales, University of Washington ADVANCE Program: "Denice Denton gave me courage and believed in me. I am saddened deeply and I am proud to say she is my friend. Goodbye, my friend—I hope you find the peace you deserve. I will miss you!  Denice was open, honest and you knew where you stood with her. She stood up for not just women and minorities and gays but for men as well." 

Alice Hogan, Program Director, ADVANCE, National Science Foundation: "Denice set and followed a high standard of integrity, inclusiveness, and commitment to making science and engineering more accessible and appealing to all. The ADVANCE Program was enriched by her efforts and insight, and by her encouragement, laughter, and deep intellectual engagement in broadening participation in science and engineering. We will miss her deeply."

Ralph A. Wolff, President and Executive Director, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities, Western Association of Schools and Colleges: "I, like everyone, am stunned and deeply saddened by the loss of Chancellor Denton. While Chancellor Denton came into the WASC process toward the end, she brought a new energy to the campus and was providing effective leadership that we thought would really move the campus forward."

Amy Levine and Vanessa George, UCSF Center for Gender Equity: "We're writing to express our sincere grief at the tragic loss of Chancellor Denice Denton of UC Santa Cruz. As one of the few women chancellors and the first openly gay chancellor in the University of California system, she exhibited courage and leadership that were an inspiration to us all. Chancellor Denton was passionately committed to the advancement of women, particularly in the sciences, and was a strong supporter of our mission to provide leadership and educational programs and services to support the advancement of women at UC and beyond."

Alisa Neeman, President, eWomen: "Chancellor Denton was a great inspiration to female graduate students in Baskin School of Engineering. Those of us who got to hear her words, informally, one on one, were deeply impressed and moved by her fortititude and intelligence."

Sue Kemnitzer, National Science Foundation: "For over 20 years, Denice made significant contributions to the progress of the U.S. science and engineering enterprise through her technical research results and her leadership of innovative education projects. Perhaps most importantly, she shaped the direction of science and engineering research and education through her insightful and compelling advice. She always kept the interests of students foremost."

Henry T. Yang, UC Santa Barbara Chancellor: "I first got to know Denice in the early '90s while we were both serving on some national committees working on behalf of engineering education. From the very beginning, Denice impressed me with her intelligence, her dedication, her perseverance, and her strong work ethic. Denice was a strong advocate and role model for women in science and the value of diversity. It was an honor to get to know her and work with her all these years, especially as a fellow UC chancellor. Denice provided dynamic leadership and vision for the future of UC Santa Cruz, and she worked very hard on behalf of the campus. She was passionate in her pursuit of excellence and diversity, and had a deep insight into how those twin goals support and complement each other. Chancellor Denton will be dearly missed by our UC family."

David Baltimore, President, California Institute of Technology: "Chancellor Denton will be remembered as a courageous leader and an inspiration for all us who are committed to the pursuit of academic excellence, diversity, and access in higher education. We very much appreciated the times that she visited Caltech to share with us her expertise, both in engineering and as an advocate for change. Not only was Denice a well-known scholar, but her tireless work on behalf of women and minorities in science and engineering won her the respect and admiration of colleagues from across the country. Her efforts at UCSC, the University of Washington, and the University of Wisconsin focused on addressing head-on the barriers that prevent women's full participation and success in science and engineering fields."

Heather Mietz Egli, ITS staff, UCSC: "Denice Denton was a chancellor who acted on things she had direct control over, and tried to create movement on things she didn't. She was concerned about morale on campus, about ensuring the campus was heading in the right direction in terms of diversity in all areas, and about UCSC's relationship with the city of Santa Cruz. As a member of UCSC's Staff Advisory Board, I got to see firsthand her level of dedication and response to issues brought before her. I hope future chancellors get more positive public and private feedback on what they are doing right, and I intend to follow through on my own request. Her death is a campus and a personal tragedy."

Gerald L. Parsky, chairman of the UC Board of Regents, on behalf of the Regents: "Denice Denton was a talented scholar full of intellectual curiosity and a deep passion for her work. As chancellor, she showed tremendous promise as a leader who could spur a great campus on to even greater achievements. She was at all times a strong advocate for diversity and women's rights, dedicated to putting principles for opportunity and justice into action. In particular, she was a tireless champion and mentor for women in the sciences. This loss fills all of us with profound sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Denice's family, friends and the entire UC community."

Michael V. Drake M.D., UC Irvine Chancellor: "Denice Denton was a woman of unusual ability, uncommon courage, prodigious talent, and unwavering commitment. By her living example, and against the currents of tradition, she exemplified academic excellence. She used her blessings to ascend to the highest rank in her profession, and then, consistently, used her position to create opportunities for others. We have lost a leader in the struggle to advance the cause of inclusive excellence; I have lost a valued colleague, and cherished friend."

Sister Paula Livers-Powell, Founding Director, UCSC African-American Resource & Cultural Center: "Chancellor Denton demonstrated on several occasions her willingness to befriend the AARCC community and supported many of our endeavors during her tenure as chancellor. We applaud her desire to improve and increase diversity efforts to showcase the accomplishments of all on the UCSC campus. Chancellor Denton's commitment to a legacy of achievement, innovation, and diversity will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. We especially thank her for her support of AARCC student outreach efforts, Katrina Relief Funds for the displaced in Atlanta, Ga., the Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, official endorsement of the AARCC "University Brothers" National Conference on Black Men in Higher Education, Black Escargot Alumi Reunion and cooperative efforts for partnerships with the local branch of the NAACP."

Rhonda Tramble, UCSC senior engineer: "Mere words are an insufficient means of expressing the emotions associated with this unbelievable loss. I am grateful and honored to have served UCSC under her stewardship. I pray that somehow we can all embrace her passion for equality in education and opportunity."

Ed Lazowska, Bill & Melinda Gates Chair in Computer Science & Engineering,
University of Washington:
"I knew Denice before she was recruited to the University of Washington 10 years ago. We had met and become friends at several national meetings on engineering and engineering education. What first attracted me to Denice was that she was smart, she was articulate, and she had her head screwed on right. After her arrival at the University of Washington—where I was Computer Science & Engineering department chair during her first five years as dean—I quickly learned that she also possessed enormous measures of vision, courage, integrity, and backbone. Denice was strong: she had faced adversity at every stage of her career, she had met it head-on, and she had emerged a winner, improving all of those around her. Her death shocks me more than I can say. She had so much more to give, and she deserved so much better than she got."

Mark A. Emmert, President, University of Washington: "Denice Denton was a remarkable leader during her time at the University of Washington. She believed it was important to make academia a more humane place, where students and faculty could do important work and lead rich lives. She was also very committed to social justice issues—for ethnic minorities, gays and lesbians, immigrants, international students and faculty. She was truly a transformational leader at the UW, setting our College of Engineering on a path toward even greater achievement. Her many friends and colleagues here will miss her."

Rebecca Ryan, University of Wisconsin ECE graduate: "I consider myself very fortunate to have been one of Denice Denton's students at the University Wisconsin in the '90s. She was extremely talented in her ability to teach electrical engineering fundamentals in a way the grabbed my full attention and motivated me to want to learn more. I will always be grateful for the gifts of her knowledge, inspiration, & support that I received on my way to becoming an electrical engineer. Thank you Denice Denton for the greatness that you shared with me and inspired in me."

Charlotte Kuh, National Research Council: "Denice was an amazingly powerful champion for women in science and engineering. We cheered her on as she rose through the ranks and we find, in her death, a tragic loss."

Jorge Medina, Oakes College: "Chancellor Denice Denton will be deeply missed. I hope the UCSC campus can remember her for her hard work and dedication to furthering the education of minority students."

Mary-Joan Moran-Smyth, alumna: "I came to know Dr. Denton by reading about her in the UCSC Review. She was the new smiling bright face from MIT who came to USCS with great ideas and panache as shown in the many photos and articles about her in the UCSC Alumni Magazine. I was so proud to be an alumnus of a university that appointed Dr. Denton, an educator who successfully took on many challenges as a lesbian and a woman in the male-dominated field of engineering. To have achieved the pinnacle of success in an extremely competitive and intellectual field, and to have carried this out with such spirit and compassion for those who have historically been discriminated against in society, is a profoundly remarkable feat. Her legacy will be of immense importance to UC, and among her many accomplishments, she will be remembered as an educator whose precedence allowed the opportunity for other women, gay women and men, and people of color to lead and be accepted at the most prestigious levels of higher education."

Hongqiang Yan, Maxim/DallasSemiconductor Design: "In 1988, as a simple EE student from China studying in Belgium, I had many phone conversations with professor Denton when I was applying to school in the United States. She encouraged me to go forward and finally offered me an assistantship. Though I was not able to come due to a visa issue, I have been thankful. Today I realized that I have talked and known a great American."

Stephen Hauskins, ITS staff, UCSC: "Remembrance is not just about knowing the person but knowing what the person accomplished. When you see a light in the world, you know it and you sense it. This is rare and should be seen as a beacon for ourselves. Let us speak no more of why this happened, but rather what were the gifts she has put in place for us. We are in the end nothing more than flesh and bone and vulnerable. We all have our weakness and our strengths. Good journey to you Denice."

Pauline C. E. Bennett, MIT '85: "I was a frosh when I met Denice--she was a senior in college, busy with her final year at MIT. She instilled pride in us junior varsity benchwarmers by reminding us that it was a good thing that MIT had enough women at last to support two teams in a sport requiring only six people to play. She taught us that our reach could exceed our grasp—or in volleyball terms "If you can get there with one hand, Bennett, you can get there with two!" College ended, we went our separate ways. I gave Denice no thought at all until one day 20 years later I heard her voice on the radio speaking clearly for all of us who shared her outrage at the ill-thought remarks of Larry Summers. I thought again how fortunate I had been to have spent time with a woman like Denice at the very beginning of my own path as an electrical engineer. Not everyone gets to know the individual who blazes the trail they follow--but I am glad that I knew Denice, back when the world was young and learning how to play volleyball seemed like the most difficult lesson academia would teach this black woman engineer."

Steve Kang, UCSC, Dean of Baskin School of Engineering: "The world has lost a great leader in education, especially for promotion of diversity and women in science and engineering. Since her arrival at UCSC, Chancellor Denton had worked with tremendous devotion and focus to promote higher education not only in California but nationwide and globally. She has been a role model and a great advocate and mentor for women in science and engineering. Jack Baskin School of Engineering, where Dr. Denton was a professor of electrical engineering, has lost a precious faculty colleague. My deepest condolences to her family and friends and I sincerely wish that her great contributions be well remembered and have long lasting impact."

Debra Richardson, Sue Bryant & UCI ADVANCE Team: "Denice was truly an inspiration for so many of us. Her loss is both tragic and unimaginable not only for women and the science, engineering and technology communities, but also for academe in general. She has been an extraordinary leader with incredible vision and uncompromising principles. In her short time as Chancellor of UC Santa Cruz, she had already become an integral part of the leadership of the University of California. She recently spoke at the UC Senior Leadership Forum, where as always she demonstrated her passion for promoting equity and diversity and providing opportunities for the underrepresented and disadvantaged. Yet more than that, Chancellor Denice Denton was a champion for the whole University—for students, faculty and staff. As a friend, colleague, role model, mentor and inspiration for many of us, Denice will be missed both professionally and personally."

Kenneth Coale, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories: "Chancellor Denton was our contemporary, friend and colleague, and a woman whose work in the public trust, was— like yours in public service—enormous. Her work was of enormous value to the students, staff and faculty of her institution. She paid an enormous price—for caring so deeply, and suffering in personal ways we will never know. Many of us in the service of others do carry large burdens." (These remarks were made in an address to the chancellor and vice chancellors and presidents of the 23 campuses of the California State University and their spouses Tuesday evening.)

Shashi Phoha, Professor, Penn State University: "Denice Denton was a true leader who wanted to bring about fundamental change in education and society. Her life and views will continue to influence me as a woman engineer and a leader for years to come."

Anthony G. Collins, President, Clarkson University: "The nation has lost a pioneering engineering leader and her intelligence and wisdom will be missed."

Sara Lee Schupf, Advocate Women and Girls in Science: "Chancellor Denton is a woman I will never forget. My first encounter with her was when she sat on the panel for the Emma Willard School Women in Science Sympoisum and Hunter Science Building dedication. She really caught the attention of the audience, which included many alums, students and faculty, not to mention the panel composed of other formidable women scientists. What I remember most is her wonderful sense of humor and how she had this unusual combination of taking her work seriously but not herself. She was
self-effacing in her accomplishments. She was an outstanding role model and mentor and unrelentess in bringing recognition to deserving women scientists. We have lost one of our best."

David Notkin, University of Washington: "For almost every interaction I had with Denice, I came away with a new way of thinking about a problem or a situation--Denice had a unique perspective that let her find wonderful solutions to knotty and important technical and social problems. I think Denice was the most patient impatient person I've ever met, and that allowed her to be highly effective in building a community to help Denice's efforts transcended traditional disciplinary boundaries, and it's certain that they'll continue until her goals are achieved by us all."

Ellen A. Wartella, UC Riverside, Provost and EVC: "Denice Denton was a woman of remarkable character. Her passion and commitment to openness and diversity benefited not just the institution she was affiliated with, but the entire UC System. Her death is a tragic loss for UCSC, for women striving to break barriers in their fields of choice, and for the academy."

Telle Whitney, President  & CEO, Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology: "Denice was an important member of our community, with her wisdom, her generosity and her vision for systemic change. She was an inspiration, a forceful but quiet voice in the engineering and computer science world. I respected her leadership, her vision, her willingness to have the hard conversations, while striving to speak in a way that all could understand, and always her commitment to bring many and diverse voices to the table of change. The loss of Denice to our world, especially to the emerging women leaders in academia, industry and government, is profound. We will miss her, and will remember her for her courage and commitment to a new and better world."

Fran Allen, IBM Fellow Emerita, IBM Research Laboratory: "Denice was one of the giants in our field, breaking glass ceilings to bring others along. Her wisdom, candor, and leadership inspired us. Shortly after she became a Dean at the Univ. of Washington, she visited me at IBM to talk about women in science and technology. It was an extraordinary conversation, full of hope, possibilities, and bright futures for women and the field. Now one of our stars has left the sky. Why? We will never know. Accepting that she is gone is tough but remembering her unstoppable can-do, will-do style will continue to inspire me. The joy, hopes, and dreams Denice instilled in others will live on. She made the world a better place for all of us. Now it's our turn to fulfill her dreams."

Marcia McNutt, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute: "The very first time I met Denice, more than a decade ago at the Emma Willard School, she cheerfully told me that she was a Panzer. Like the German tank, she was a force to be reckoned with, unstoppable. I hope that even with her passing, the causes that fired her passion will continue on, like the Panzer, unstoppable."

Lydia Zepeda, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison: "Denice was fearless. She fought for justice and diversity in academia, not just because it was the right thing to do, but because using everyone's talents makes universities more effective. She did whatever it took, whether it was raising money, raising awareness, or raising cain. She was a mentor and a friend. I will miss her deeply."

University of Maryland, Baltimore County, ADVANCE Team: "What a tragedy and what a tremendous loss to us all. Denice was truly inspirational—a rare leader with tremendous vision and uncompromising principles. We all feel such tremendous sadness and disbelief that such a bright light has been extinguished."

UAW Local 2865 and 4121: "UAW Local 2865 and 4121 mourn the loss of Chancellor Denton, a defender of the rights of academic student employees at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of Washington, as well as a fierce advocate for encouraging the advancement of women and minorities in science. Her willingness to come to the table for open discussion will be sadly missed."

Janie Fouke, Provost, University of Florida: "What a straight talker! Her values were in the right place and she lived them, treating everyone with dignity all the time."

Helene Demont, University of Wisconsin-Madison: "Denice Denton had the talent and skill to make everyone she interacted with feel as if they had her undivided attention. She put her heart and soul into everything she did. She will be deeply missed."

Expanding Your Horizons Planning Committee: "Chancellor Denton was a tireless advocate for access, retention, and success of women in engineering and science. In March 2006 she offered the closing comments, 'Math and Science: Girls Rule!,' at UCSC's 6th Annual Expanding Your Horizons in Math, Science and Engineering Conference. Telling her own, as well as UCSC's story, the Chancellor's address to the 200 teen girls and 30 adult participants engaged everyone from the first moment. In keeping with her dedication to the principle of excellence through diversity which marked her tenure at the University, Chancellor Denton encouraged the girls to stay in math and science—the 'liberal arts' of the 21st century—and reminded them that they are the leaders of tomorrow and that their diverse viewpoints will lead to a stronger state and nation. Her words will long be remembered by this group of girls and may well inspire careers in the sciences.

Glen Winans, Assistant Dean, UCSC Baskin School of Engineering: "The faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the Baskin School of Engineering join the UCSC community and statewide UC family in mourning the tragic death of Chancellor Denton. As our campus leader and a member of our faculty in Electrical Engineering, she will be greatly missed. Chancellor Denton brought an energetic vision about the future of higher education, challenging all of us to see new possibilities and push academic programs beyond established boundaries. Chancellor Denton was especially devoted to advancing diversity, not just in terms of increasing the participation of underrepresented groups, but also in the very way we approach and conduct teaching and research. Although her duties as chancellor precluded regular interaction with colleagues within the Baskin School, her values were present in our collective efforts to develop new models for engineering education in the 21st Century."

Ellen Lettvin, Assistant Director, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington: "The loss of Denice Denton is unspeakably sad. She was an amazing person—accomplished and innovative, with an uncanny ability to clearly focus on the big picture as well as the individual. She was also a very real person with a great sense of humor. Denice was a caring and inspiring role model and mentor who will be missed by many."

Robert Warrington, Dean of Engineering Michigan Tech University: "It is with sadness that we note the untimely death of Denice Denton. It was less than two years ago that she spent several days with us working on our diversity program. While Denice championed diversity in all of its forms, she was first and foremost an accomplished educator, researcher and finally administrator. She will be missed by many constituencies for the contributions she will not be able to make in the future, but we celebrate her numerous contributions of the past."

Center for Advancement of Engineering Education: "Denice Denton had a bold, far-reaching vision for engineering education. Access, equity and excellence were the cornerstones of her work. She worked tirelessly for an engineering educational system that is truly accessible to everyone, that nurtures students' dreams, that enables students to fulfill those dreams upon graduation, and that encourages them to make substantial contributions to our global society. She sought to increase the number and diversity of voices working together to improve engineering education and the role of engineering in society. She promoted excellence in all aspects of engineering education--from the actual content of the courses, to the way they were taught, to admissions policies, to research on learning, to essential support systems for students, faculty and staff. Denice embodied this vision by serving as a mentor, advocate and role model for countless young engineers and engineering faculty. Her remarkable energy and gift for action made her effective at all levels and across disciplines. Denice's legacy will live on through the work of the CAEE team and the broader engineering education community."

Willa Gingery: "Denice, a bona-fide mover and shaker of her lifetime, captured the masses with her magnetic presence.  Perhaps her plight may not be well understood, but now it is healed and all is forgiven. Your life and presence were much appreciated whether you knew it or not. May God bless you and hold your loved ones near."

Fred Mannering, Purdue University: "Denice had incredible vision, wisdom and insight. When I think of the impact she has had on my career, it is mind-boggling. And, I am certain she profoundly influenced and enriched the lives of countless others. As dean, she appointed me as chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Washington, and we worked closely on many initiatives."

Lance Linares, Porter '74, Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County: "In her short time in Santa Cruz County, Chancellor Denice Denton consistently delivered an important message, and her message of inclusiveness, and celebration of diversity rang true. It seemed that as the months went by she was finding her own pace as the head of UCSC. She inspired students and colleagues with her standing as an accomplished engineer and scientist, her commitment to advancing women and girls in the sciences, and her steadfast dedication to diversity in all its glory. With her sudden and sad passing we have suffered a great loss. And I believe the best was yet to come. Perhaps this is a good time to recommit ourselves to respecting and assuring the civil and human rights of all."

Jon Giusti, Porter: "Even though she may be gone, the memory of her dreams will
live on inside all of us."

Walter G. Secada, Chair, Teaching and Learning, University of Miami: "From our days in the National Institute for Science Education (NISE) at the University of Wisconsin Center for Education Research, I remember Denice Denton as a sharp, strong-willed, yet-caring individual who could make decisions within as complex an organization as NISE yet take the time to mentor assistant professors who were on the NISE team. Denice was that rare individual who could command the respect of NSF's 'hard' scientists while still talking to those of us in the human and
behavioral sciences."

Rosemary L. Anderson, UCSC staff: "As a member of the UCSC Staff Advisory Board and chair of the Council of University of California Staff Assemblies, I was impressed with Chancellor Denton's advocacy and genuine concern and respect for staff. In addition to her tireless efforts to advance women and minorities in higher education, particularly in the math and sciences, Denice also supported pay equity and quality of life issues for staff. I enjoyed her humor and respected her vast intellectual capacities. I had great hope for her limitless capabilities as our chancellor and I am deeply saddened by her untimely death."

Lorraine Anderson, FAST Office Staff, UCSC: "I did not know Chancellor Denton very well, but what I do know is I sang "Blue Christmas" with her at the last Christmas party and she was a wonderful, friendly person. I enjoyed listening to her ideas and speeches on different occasions. She will be missed dearly."

Michael Isaacson, Acting Dean, Baskin School of Engineering, UCSC: "The faculty, staff and alumni of the Baskin School of Engineering at UCSC mourn the tragic death of Chancellor Denice Denton. Although she had been at UCSC for a little over a year, she had made significant efforts to increase the number of traditionally underrepresented groups into the university. She was a tireless advocate of the value of diversity in engineering. Her entire career reflected that passion for the opportunities of all groups to enjoy the fruits of higher education. She was a tireless advocate of the idea that women and underrepresented minorities were a critical component of this nation's innovative edge in global competition. She was a woman of courage and quality."

Pat Wasley, Dean, College of Education, University of Washington: "Denice was one of the first people to welcome me to the University of Washington when I arrived here in 2000. As I got to know her, I found her to be one of the clearest-thinking people around. She had tremendous values, believed that the entire university needed to be committed to our public education system, and she worked hard to engage our science of learning people with engineering in order to improve engineering education. She had great energy, amazing focus, and she was a voracious learner. I hope she haunts us all until we accomplish the kinds of changes in our higher education system that make it accessible and powerful for everyone who dreams of a good education."

Robert Miller, Vice Chancellor Research: "The loss of Denice Denton is one that UCSC shares with the entire academic cummunity. She was a staunch defender of academic freedom, equity and civility in all aspects of the academic enterprise. Her passing will dim the light on these great themes, and so we all must raise the touch a little higher."

Elizabeth Deakin, Professor, UC Berkeley: "Denice Denton was smart, funny, and principled. At MIT, at Wisconsin, at Washington, and at Santa Cruz, she found the courage to overcome many barriers and then used her position to open up opportunities for others. We have lost a strong advocate for women in engineering and a woman of great heart. I am glad to have known her these many years and sorry that I didn't call more often."

Carolyn D. Heising, Engineering Professor, Iowa State University of Science and Technology: "Denice was an inspiration to me and many of my women
colleagues in engineering and science here at Iowa State. We have recently been awarded an NSF ADVANCE grant, and she had visited our campus as a consultant in 2003 in preparation for our grant submittal. I have known Denice personally since 1996 when I first met her at a national Society of Women Engineers conference in Portland, Oregon. I also met her several other times at conferences on women in engineering, and she was an important role model and colleague."

American Society for Engineering Education: "Chancellor Denton was a champion of diversity in the U.S. engineering community. Her leadership in initiating programs to support and promote diversity for women and other underrepresented minorities in the engineering community has made a major contribution to the efforts to increase the interest of young people in engineering careers in research, education, and industry." (More)

Tammy Smecker-Hane, Professor, University of California, Irvine: "Denice Denton was an extremely powerful advocate for increasing the participation of women and under-represented minorities in science and engineering. She demonstrated through her own success as Dean of Engineering at the University of Washington and by communicating to others the published research on the subject that diversifying faculty does not mean reducing its quality. More often, diversity leads to enhanced quality. At a National Academy of Science convocation in 2005, Chancellor Denton challenged us to get involved, to make change happen locally at our universities and also in the wider world of higher education to ensure that the odds of women and minorities achieving success is maximized. I am deeply saddened by how Denice Denton's life ended, but I rejoice and marvel at the successes she achieved in her life and the outstanding role model she is."

Naomi Chesler and Borjana Mikic, University of Wisconsin and Smith College: "In 2002, we organized a weekend workshop to provide peer-mentoring and support to pre-tenure women faculty members in engineering. Denice flew across the country to participate, share her experiences and give us her words of wisdom. She was a true role model for us--able to balance outstanding achievements in research, teaching and service with an unparalleled commitment to supporting women in engineering. One of the most striking things about Denice was how honest she was with us about her experiences as a woman faculty member in engineering, both good and bad. She made no attempt to create an image of herself as a paragon of perfection, but, rather, trusted that we would take from her story whatever each of us as individuals might find helpful at that particular point in our careers."

Andrea Schweitzer, Little Thompson Observatory: "I greatly appreciated Denice Denton's mentoring while I was a grad student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and I enjoyed the excellent talks she gave to the American Astronomical Society. Through her leadership she demonstrated practical ways to increase diversity in science and engineering through better faculty searches and 'climate change' within departments."

Sachi T. Wilson, Law Office of Sachi T. Wilson: "When I was an attorney at the University of Washington, I worked with her on her efforts to improve recruitment for women and minorities in the engineering school. Her passing was a great loss for UCSC."

Lisa Gustafson, Local 10 Coalition of University Employees: "Chancellor Denton was taking action to improve all our lives here at UCSC, by working behind the scenes for the past year to garner funds to bring the lowest-paid, union-represented workers at UCSC closer to market-level wages. Although Chancellor Denton did not have to make this issue a priority, she was aware of the pay inequities that exist at UCSC compared with other campuses. She determined to ameliorate those inequities and recently reported she hoped to have the long process completed by this September. Remembering Chancellor Denton and her many accomplishments with gratitude and respect, the local union looks forward to continued labor/management interactions that reflect this spirit of cooperation that the chancellor leaves as part of her legacy here at UCSC."

Jacob Cabrera, alumnus: "In the short time since I met Denise Denton, she came across as a strong woman, with a vision for the world that she was dedicated to implementing. She thought of others, instead of herself; she clearly wanted to work as a team with everyone."

Tammy Heinsohn, ITS at UCSC: "I met Chancellor Denton, her mother Carolyn, and her dogs last summer outside the UCSC organic farm. I shared some kale and garlic and other surplus veggies with the chancellor's mother and she shared with me her pride in her daughter "the new chancellor on this beautiful campus.' I am thankful I got to see a glimpse of her human side. I also admired her public persona and her career accomplishments in her too-short life. May God bless and comfort all of us affected by the death of this woman."

Carol Tomlinson-Keasey, Chancellor, UC-Merced: "Denice Denton was a friend. She helped open the administrative ranks of academic engineering to women, and like many who are among the first to challenge a barrier, she encountered those who were not supportive. Despite that, her life was filled with achievements, many of which relied on her own quick intellect; but many of her achievements were directed to helping others. We have lost an intellectual force, a friend of the underrepresented, and a passionate supporter of women's rights."

The National Academies Committee on Women in Academic Science and Engineering: "Denise Denton was an extraordinarily talented scholar, educational leader, and relentless voice for progress. She was bigger than life. She opened doors, and stood in them to let others through. Shem mentored young scholars and students. Her enthusiasm for science was clear and infectious." (More)

Cynthia Truelove, former UW-Madison Women's Studies colleague: "Denice and I began our academic careers at the UW-Madison around the same time and we were both very eager young Women's Studies colleagues who found an especially supportive community there. We chose remarkably different paths as I left the academy completely and she ardently worked to change it from within the academic and scientific research communities. What absolutely must be said is that Denice's life's work and legacy was to understand and to operationalize a practice of "diversity" that wasn't a simple moniker meant to promote a sort of dishwater-style inclusiveness where room is made for everyone to become the same; but rather, to honor the amazing creative force and shape-shifting tension that authenticity brings to the diversity equation where building a community which welcomes the talents, energies, and ideas of all truly produces an entirely different lens through which we may examine and affect the world."

Susan Hockfield, Massachusetts Institute of Technology: "We at MIT are shocked and saddened at the tragic death of our distinguished graduate Denice Denton. Having accomplished so much and blazed so many trails at a young age, Chancellor Denton served as a role model for many on our campus and around the nation as she highlighted the importance of building communities of mutual respect on campuses everywhere. All of us are the poorer for the loss of this leader in engineering and the academy."

Kara Helander, Vice President, Western Region, Catalyst: "We at Catalyst are deeply saddened by Denice's death. She was a tremendously thoughtful, powerful and committed champion of women's advancement. She contributed her wisdom and support to Catalyst in countless ways—she participated in Catalyst research; served as a panelist at Catalyst events; and as a member of the Catalyst Western Region Advisory Board was a tireless champion of Catalyst's mission and efforts in the West. Her wisdom and courage will be greatly missed by her friends and colleagues at Catalyst."

Carol Muller, MentorNet: "Denise Denton had an uncanny ability to make crystal clear the most arcane, tacit, but unspoken practices of higher education, improving those with promise and making them transparent for all, jettisoning those which were clearly obsolete, with an appreciation for top quality results, high standards and fair processes, and little tolerance for unnecessary window-dressing, posturing, and politics. A strong and true leader, willing to listen, determined to do the right thing for education, for engineering, and especially for the people engaged in the enterprise, Denice was warm, welcoming, and inclusive, reaching out to those who may have been outside the mainstream or the "power circle," broadening that circle at every opportunity."

Chris Stephenso, Computer Science Teachers Association: "In the aftermath of the tragic death of Denice Denton, it is frighteningly tempting to believe that being who you are, fighting for what you believe, and wanting to make the world a just place for everyone is simply too difficult; that it will only break your heart and possibly your spirit as well. It might seem wiser, or at least easier, to give up, to go along, to be silent, to do nothing. But if you have ever met Denice, witnessed the spark of her prodigious intellect, understood the depth of her compassion, or simply felt the warmth of her good humor and companionship, you will understand that nothing would disappoint her more, nothing would be a less fitting legacy. Instead, in her honor, we should resolve to be more open, braver, more supportive and loving, more just. We should refuse not to expect our institutions and our world to do the same. In short, we should commit ourselves to being more like Denice."

Maya Paczuski, University of Calgary: "Denice did not choose the easy life. She fought for what she believed in—without flinching in the face of adversity or letting doubts dissuade her. She saw the inhumaneness of denying opportunity to bright young people—or of not encouraging them—for what it is. She had the skills and drive to change the world—a gift to all of us. From the time I met her as a student at MIT, Denice was an icon—a proof by example, a funny, smart, occasionally ironic and brave woman."

William A. Wulf, President, National Academy of Engineering: "I am honored to have been counted among Denice's friends, and was devastated to learn of her death—all the more so because I have been off of the net and did not learn of it until yesterday. Many have commented on her commitment to diversity and engineering education—and that is the context in which I met her, and used her talents on several National Academy of Engineering projects. But what I most admired was her savvy, strong, and insightful academic leadership—both at the University of Washington and at Santa Cruz. She was a remarkable person, and we are all poorer without her."

Howard Jay Chizeck, EE Department, University of Washington: "Denice Dee Denton was a creative problem solver, blessed with extraordinary intelligence and vision. A forceful leader with an open mind, she was able to understand, evaluate and incorporate new ideas more rapidly and effectively than anyone that I have ever met. Denice was a believer in merit and excellence. She was deeply and uncompromisingly committed to the principles of equality and the importance of education for all. Denice's career was meteoric. She overcame adversity and achieved excellence at each step in her path. Throughout her journey she made the world better for others. The best way we can honor her memory is to move her mission forward."

Vicki Schultz, Ford Foundation Professor of Law, Yale Law School: "Denice Denton was one of the most amazing people I've ever known. We were assistant professors together at the University of Wisconsin, where Denice triumphed over discrimination to become a cherished member of her department and the larger university community. Denice became determined to create an equal playing field for women and minorities in engineering and the sciences; she made it her life's work to achieve that goal. I am proud to say that Denice inspired my own work on how the law can recognize and remedy the problems women face in nontraditional fields. I am thrilled to know that she had a similarly profound influence on everyone who knew her. Denice Denton changed the world during her too-brief time here. If I know Denice, she's already breaking down barriers among the angels. Goodbye, dear friend, we will never be the same without you."

Benjamin Carson, UCSC Music Department: "When Denice spoke to the music department about diversity, it was not merely a word but a concept of justice, requiring not only new courses and programs, but transformed pedagogies, requiring not only new admissions policies but transformations of communities and cultures. Denice was also a defender of civil liberty, and a great force of resistance against those who would impose unjust discrimination on a university campus. Still, like all leaders, Denton was known for both the triumphs and the struggles of the community that she served. Aside from her promising accomplishments, it should not surprise anyone that she was also near the center of scandals affecting us, including financial controversies and the sadness of police violence against our students and friends. What saddens us most, with her death, is that we have lost her gifts without losing her troubles; while most of the problems she encountered are old news, endemic to institutions, the contributions she offered us were unusual, beautiful, and extraordinary. I hope against hope that she knew this in her last hours."

Katie Oppenheim, University of Michigan Health System Pride Network: "I didn't know you but today's article in the New York Times was forwarded to me by a good friend who knew I would care. As a member of the Diversity Network at the University of Michigan I know how challenging it is to actively promote diversity, not simply acceptance, in our academic settings. Chancellor Denton obviously cared in so many ways and for whatever reason could no longer withstand the pressure of it all. I would encourage all members and allies of the LGBT community to make contributions to your favorite LGBT organization in Ms. Denton's honor. We must continue her important work."

J. Gingery, UCSC Staff:
"Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay."
-- Robert Frost

Dr. Roz Iasillo, McAuley High School Science Department Chairperson: "Chancellor Denton was a champion of diversity in the scientific community. Her leadership in initiating programs to support and promote diversity for women and other underrepresented minorities in the engineering community has made a major contribution to the efforts to increase the interest of young people in engineering and science careers in research, education, the health professions and industry. As the chairperson of the science department in the largest all-female school in the nation I was helped by Dr. Denton in designing our curriculum. Currently nearly all of our 1,800 young women take four years of science. Thanks, Denice, for your passion and dedication."

Cindy Atman, Director, UW Center for Engineering Learning and Teaching: "What did I learn from Denice? I learned to be bold and stand up for what I believe in. I learned to follow my heart and do work that I believe is important, not work that is safe and fits into traditional boundaries. I learned that listening is sometimes the most important part of talking with someone. I learned that all voices are important and everyone deserves a place at the table. I learned that it takes perception and judgment to know when to push, and when to let things ride. I learned to try new foods. I learned to sing loudly and take walks on the beach when I need to. I don't do these things nearly as well as Denice did. My pledge to her is that I'll keep trying."

Jim Coleman, Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Missouri: "Although I had known of Denice for a long time, I recently had my first opportunity to meet her, and now feel extremely lucky that I had that opportunity. My impression is that she was an absolutely powerful force for 'all that is good' in academe."

Matt Waxman, recent UCSC graduate: "I remember the first time I met Chancellor Denton, it was at the 2005 university-city joint public meeting. She came up to me and asked me how I was doing, said she had heard about the work I had done, she smiled and shook my hand. I smiled and shook her hand, we spoke for a little bit, she was very nice, kind, friendly, very real. I felt good. Every time I spoke with her, Chancellor Denton made the point to ask me how I was doing, what I was up to, if I had any interesting summer plans. She made a connection. It's things like this that make my memory of her meaningful."

Raj Bordia, Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington: "Denice set the standard for engineering education that is both excellent and inclusive. She was an inspirational leader and teacher who was a mentor for so many of us. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with and learn from her. She developed and articulated a clear vision for higher education and worked tirelessly to implement it. She leaves behind a rich legacy of significant positive changes. I will always remember her clarity of thought, vision and hope for what education should be, and most importantly her honesty and generosity. Denice was an educational leader of unparalleled vision, energy and commitment who made a big positive difference."

Diana ben-Aaron, University of Helsinki: "Denice was my calculus TA freshman year in the interdisciplinary Concourse program at MIT, and she was one of the best and most memorable instructors I had there. In the course of going over each week's problems, she shared many insights on general mathematical techniques and adjusting from high school to university, and this "director's commentary" was enormously helpful in leveling the ground and bringing us all up to speed. I ended up in linguistics, not engineering, but I've recalled her honesty and generosity many times often over the years when issues of inclusivity in teaching have come up. It is no surprise that she was so widely loved, and will be so deeply missed."

Sharon Wampler, UCSD Rady School of Management: "I met Denice Denton at the 2004 American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Seattle where she spoke at an Association for Women in Science workshop on 'Mastering Transitions: Growing into Leadership.' Though we met only briefly, her wisdom and energy left a lasting impression. Her pioneering spirit and honesty were refreshing. Sometimes a single moment can vastly impact your life. Meeting Denice Denton was one such moment for me. Thank you, Denice, for your inspiration and leadership."

Jo Handelsman, Molly Carnes, Jennifer Sheridan, Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute of the ADVANCE program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: "In the past few days, we have heard Denice referred to as a sonic boom and Hurricane Denice. At UW-Madison, her name was Tsunami. Why have so many of us chosen cosmic events as metaphors for Denice? Perhaps because she was more forceful than any human being we know and she left more change in her short life than most people could dream of causing in many lifetimes. But each of these events is ephemeral and Denice is lasting. There is no metaphor for Denice. No word captures her rare combination of strength and gentleness, determination and compassion, ferocity and wit. Maybe we should make her name into a word and when people hear there is a denice coming to town they will anticipate something that will cause change, require justice, and induce great goodness and humor. There will never be another Denice, but we can all learn from her and aspire to be denices in our worlds."

Alma G. Lopez, Kresge College, UCSC Class of 2001 in literature: "Although I graduated long before Chancellor Denton was appointed, I nevertheless feel a loss. Here is a blessing sent to her loved ones, friends and colleagues."