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October 9, 1998

TO: THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY

From: Chancellor Greenwood

Re: Death of Biology Lecturer Patrick Elvander

Dear Colleagues:

It is with great sadness that I report the death of Biology Lecturer Patrick Elvander. He died unexpectedly on Monday, October 5, at the age of 48. The family plans a private service. It is also possible that there will be a public celebration of his life in late February.

Patrick taught General Biology, Biology of the Fungi, Systematic Botany, Plant Anatomy, Plant Evolution, and Field Botany, among other classes. His colleagues have described him as a most articulate lecturer, one with "a musical command of the language." He will be remembered for his ability to inspire a range of audiences, including biology and botany students, UCSC Extension students, and members of Friends' groups. One of his favorite sites for field study was the UCSC Arboretum, and many students and community members received an introduction to the marvels of botany through Patrick's field studies there.

Because of this special connection to the Arboretum, friends are exploring the development of a permanent guided walk there that will be named in Patrick's honor.

Patrick was an author of several publications, including a guide on Saxifragaceae sponsored by the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, for the Flora of North America project. In addition to his position as Lecturer, Patrick worked as a Lab Assistant, and for ten years (1983-93) he was Academic Preceptor at Crown College.

Patrick earned a Ph.D. in Systematic Botany from the University of Washington, where he also earned an M.S. degree. His Bachelor's degree was from Pomona College in Claremont, California.

UC Santa Cruz has lost a dedicated instructor and a great friend. Please join me in a moment of silence to honor his memory.

M.R.C. Greenwood
Chancellor


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