David Saxon, a UCLA professor who rose to the top position in
the University of California system, died today. He was 85.
Saxon, whose university career spanned more than four decades,
died at UCLA Medical Center today after a long illness.
He came to UCLA in 1947 to teach theoretical nuclear physics,
and later served as dean of life sciences and executive vice
chancellor. He left UCLA to serve as provost of the UC in 1974 and
then filled the post of UC president from 1975 to 1983.
“David Saxon was a brilliant physicist, a devoted teacher
and a skilled administrator who played a crucial role in the growth
and development of UCLA and the University of California
system,” said Chancellor Albert Carnesale in a statement.
Saxon’s legacy is already evident at UCLA.
The UC Board of Regents named an endowed chair at the UCLA
department of physics after Saxon in 1986, and honored Saxon and
his wife by naming the David and Shirley Saxon Student Residential
Suites after them in 1987.
Saxon, who lived in Westwood, is survived by his wife, Shirley,
his daughters Barbara, Cathy, Charlotte, Linda, Peggy and Vicky,
and six grandchildren.
Flags on campus flew at half-staff today in his memory.
A memorial service will be planned for UCLA in 2006.
Saxon’s family asks that donations be given in his memory to
the David Saxon Physics Graduate Fellowship Fund.
For extended coverage, read the Daily Bruin on
Monday.