Former MJC president dies of cancer

Former Modesto Junior College president Dr. Richard Rose died Wednesday morning at 9:35 a.m. after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56. 
     According to a mass email sent out to faculty Monday, March 8, Rose informed those close to him that he was terminally ill. No further information was given. Some MJC faculty sent out their thoughts and memories of Rose.
     Although the exact reasons for Rose’s sudden departure in December remain a mystery to most of the community, YCCD Chancellor Roe Darnell described him as “very affable and dedicated to community colleges.”
     Rose was said to be ill before leaving his position, but it was not the reason that he left.
      “It is with sadness that I send this email,” wrote Venesse Metcalf, YCCD Director of Human Resources, in a mass email to the faculty of MJC and YCCD. “(Rose) was a friend and colleague to many of us and will be missed.”
     Rose served as MJC president from 2006 to December 2009 until he was asked to resign. Yosemite Community College District bought out Rose’s remaining contract that expired later on in 2010. Although the MJC faculty executive board voted ‘no confidence’ in November 2007, Rose and the YCCD board came to a mutual agreement to never reveal to reason behind the departure.
     Metcalf also stated that Rose’s family thanks all of those who sent cards and emails of gratitude. For some, Rose’s death was a shock, but others knew it was coming.
     “Although I am not surprised by the death of Dr. Rose, I am saddened to learn his death happened so quickly,” wrote Bob Nadell, MJC Vice President of Student Services. “I found Dr. Rose to be a strong leader with a high degree of integrity.”
     Nadell witnessed Dr. Rose as a leader who moved the college through a difficult accreditation period and provided the leadership to correct the deficiency in full-time enrolled students that was an issue when he stepped in as president. “He was a valued colleague and friend,” added Nadell, describing Dr. Rose. “I will miss his smile, his sense of humor and his tenacity.”
     Funeral arrangements are still in the works. Cards may be sent to his family at 6582 N. Western Ave., Fresno, CA. 93722. The Pirates' Log will have more coverage on Rose soon.
 

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3 comments

Anonymous

Tue Mar 16 2010 00:59

Actually if you READ the article all that is written is the facts. Those who knew Rose kept a silence on his terminal illness, until a massive email was send out two days before his death. After reading this, no one was making any assumptions. It sounds like you are the one making the assumptions. How about you learn to read an article first before putting your two cents in. MJC sure has mature students.

Anonymous

Fri Mar 12 2010 14:27

Actually after reading this article, many faculty knew of Rose's illness. Nadell just expressed his gratitude for Rose, and those who knew Rose knows that he was dying. Don't make assumptions

Anonymous

Thu Mar 11 2010 20:05

what a stupid comment by Bob Nadell. I am not surprised by his death?
classless piece of garbage

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