Dear Colleague,

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the loss of former SRJC Vice President of Academic Affairs Brook Tauzer, who passed away on Thursday, July 14 at the age of 95.

During his tenure at SRJC from 1955-1986, Brook worked as an instructor of US history, dean of instruction, was the school’s first vice president of academic affairs, and served as Interim President of SRJC between Presidents Newman and Mikalson. He is also the namesake of the SRJC Brook Tauzer Faculty Lecture, which has occurred every spring PDA Day since 1994. He was the Bailey Award recipient in 1986 and was inducted into the SRJC Hall of Fame in 1997. He also wrote two of the college’s history books, “Access: People, Programs and Pluralism 1957-1990” and “Access Accelerated: Santa Rosa Junior College 1990-2001.”

In addition to his regular duties as vice president, Brook also worked to expand occupational education, to increase diversity in the recruitment of students and faculty members, and helped SRJC adopt a pre-transfer program to ensure student success. He led the college’s accreditation efforts, served as the chairman of the curriculum committee and oversaw student services, health care, financial aid and student activities.

Brook’s father, Clarence “Red” Tauzer, was the football and basketball coach before becoming a trustee at SRJC, where Tauzer Gymnasium was eventually named for him. Brook’s family says that his father was a mentor to him, and even made Brook the SRJC mascot for the athletics teams from 1934-1935, at age 8.

Upon his retirement in 1986, then SRJC President Dr. Roy Mikalson was quoted in a Press Democrat as saying, “If he were retiring from a football team, we would retire his number.”

At that time, Brook was presented with “Brook’s Book,” which included memories of his time at SRJC from colleagues. In it, Izzy Derkos said of Brook, “He is my hero. He is an educator, an entertainer, a competitor, a leader, and most of all a friend who really cares about SRJC and every person connected with this campus. He is the spirit of the college.”

SRJC Dean Emeritus Steve Olson remembered working with Brook on the grant application to acquire what is now the 365-acre Shone Farm campus, saying that Brook’s contributions were pivotal in SRJC’s selection. “His love and respect for the college was evident in everything he said and did. He was thoughtful, caring and his communication skills were second to none…Brook was a true gentlemen and will be missed for a long, long time.”

Peter Leveque, retired faculty member in life sciences, remembered how much Brook was adored by faculty and students, saying “A student once told me that she’d just finished a class taught by Brook and the students were so appreciative that they gave him a standing ovation at the end of the final session. That’s how much everyone loved him…He has also gone down as one of the most favorite administrators at the college in all these years.”

Local historian, author, and columnist Gaye LeBaron did a video interview with Brook, which you can view in the SSU digital archive. Following Brook’s passing, Gaye reflected on fond memories of him, saying that, “Throughout Covid, the biggest regrets are the friends we haven’t seen that we’ve lost.”

Bob Rubin, retired faculty member in life sciences, called Brook, “the consummate scholar and administrative leader, a true academician.  If anyone should have been the President of Santa Rosa Junior College, it was Brook.  When he wanted to speak to you, he would always come to your office, never calling you to his. Brook Tauzer was the very best of the best. I loved him like a brother and respected him as the superb inspirational colleague and friend that he was to each one of us.”

Brook’s daughter-in-law, Catherine Tauzer said of him, “He was the definition of humble. He never boasted about himself his awards or accolades. He genuinely cared about others and their well-being. He was kind in every sense of the word.”

In 1988, Brook was quoted as saying, “I have a love affair with the campus. It has been and remains a very, very special place, not only for me personally, but also for the community that it serves.”

Like the iconic old oak trees, Brook Tauzer had deep roots at SRJC. He was so kind and encouraging to everyone who crossed paths with him. It is giants like Brook who set the standards of excellence that makes the JC a premiere and venerable college. His passing is a big loss for our entire college community, but I know that his enduring legacy will remain with SRJC for many years to come.

Brook’s family is currently planning a Celebration of Life at Saint Rose Catholic Church on Friday, Aug. 12 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the Saint Rose Parish Hall.  

With deepest condolences,

Frank Chong, Ed.D.
President/Superintendent
707-527-4431
fchong@santarosa.edu