David Boubion; Cal State L.A. Dean of Students and Democratic Aide

David J. Boubion Jr., longtime dean of students at Cal State L.A. who worked in Democratic politics and the Peace Corps, has died at the age of 72.

Boubion, who lived in Rancho Palos Verdes, died Monday in Kaiser Harbor City Medical Center after a stroke.

In 1976, Boubion was named by Gov. Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. as one of the first six nonlawyer members of the state Bar of California Board of Governors. The appointments were made under legislation expanding the board from 15 lawyer members to 21, including six lay members.

Born in Boyle Heights and educated in social work, Boubion served as Cal State L.A. dean of students from 1971 until his retirement 20 years later. During those decades, he moderated dozens of disputes among groups of students with faculty and administration. He also taught sociology and headed the Center for Careers and Employment at the university.

At the career center in 1985, Boubion advised students to prepare for the fields of computer science, law, education, business management, retailing, engineering, health care, finance, and social work.

Before his work at the university, Boubion spent nine years in the Peace Corps--first as regional director in Panama and Guatemala and then in Washington as director for Central American Operations and public information officer.

In social work, he was also with the Catholic Youth Organization and Neighborhood Services for Youth in East Los Angeles.

An active Democrat, Boubion served as East Los Angeles field deputy for former Los Angeles City Councilman (and later congressman) Edward R. Roybal. Boubion failed in two bids for public office, once for the Community College Board of Trustees and once for the state Assembly.

Boubion served in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he attended East Los Angeles City College and earned a bachelor’s degree from Cal State L.A., a master’s degree in social work from USC and a doctorate from Claremont Graduate School.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, the former Tola Cortez; two daughters, Monica Gardet of Bern, Switzerland, and Camille Brown of Discovery Bay, Calif.; two sons, David of Gothenberg, Sweden, and Michael of Point Mugu; three brothers, six sisters and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCormick Mortuary, 1998 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach. Funeral Mass is scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, 5448 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes.