Tribute to UCI’s Daniel Aldrich--an Educator and Renaissance Man

There have been a lot of positive things said already about Dan Aldrich, UCI’s founding chancellor, and a lot more to be said. I was privileged to work at UCI during his tenure, and although I’m sure he didn’t know who I was and where I worked, every time we chanced to pass one another he smiled and said hello. Every time. He never ignored anyone; that was not Dan Aldrich. He spoke to everyone, he smiled at everyone and everyone loved him. He was a special man who commanded respect at the same time he drew affection.

It was comfortable working at UCI under Chancellor Dan. It didn’t seem so much like a job. I felt almost like I was part of a family. I always felt sort of warm and safe watching this tall, dignified man striding around the campus, admiring what he had built.

I miss him, and I’m sure everyone who had the opportunity to work for him or with him misses him. But we’re all lucky, as he left such a large part of himself on the Irvine campus. He was a very, very special person.

DIANNE CANTOR

Huntington Beach