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In Memoriam: David Saxon

David S. Saxon, a physics scholar who rose through academia at UCLA to become president of the University of California and leader of MIT, died Dec. 8 at UCLA Medical Center after a lengthy illness. He was 85.

“He was a man of principle and vision whose outstanding scholarship and thoughtful leadership made a lasting contribution to the university and the state,” said UC President Robert C. Dynes.

Saxon joined the UCLA faculty in 1947 as assistant professor of physics. Three years later, he was one of 31 UC faculty members dismissed for refusing to sign the then-required loyalty oath. Saxon then worked for the National Bureau of Standards before rejoining the UCLA faculty when the state Supreme Court invalidated the requirement. He later chaired the physics department and became dean of physical sciences before being named to UCLA’s top academic post, now known as executive vice chancellor. He left UCLA to become UC provost in 1974 and served as UC president from 1975 to 1983.

Chancellor Albert Carnesale (from the left), David and Shirley Saxon, Dean Roberto Peccei and Physics Chair Ferdinand Coroniti.

After serving as chairman of the MIT Corporation from 1983 to 1990, Saxon returned to UCLA once again, this time as an emeritus faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. A celebration of his 80th birthday in 2000 was held in Royce Hall West Lobby. Last February, he celebrated his 85th birthday with friends and colleagues at the Faculty Center.

In addition to his MIT degrees, Saxon had been awarded honorary doctorate degrees by Hebrew Union College; University of Judaism; University of Southern California; University of British Columbia; University of Bordeaux; University of Florida, and University of Gottingen. Saxon was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and also served on theboards of Ford Motor Co.; Eastman Kodak Co.; the Houghton-Mifflin Co.; and the American University of Armenia.

In 1986, the UC regents approved the naming of the endowed David Saxon Presidential Chair in the Department of Physics at UCLA. In 1987, the UC regents named the two student residential suite complexes in the northwest section of the UCLA campus as the David and Shirley Saxon Student Residential Suites and the Charles and Nancy Hitch Student Residential Suites. Hitch, a professor of economics at UCLA, served as the 13th president of the university from 1968 to 1975 and was succeeded by Saxon.

Colleagues remembered Saxon for his incisive mind, his sense of humor, his integrity and moral courage, and his abiding interest in students and commitment to the quality of their education.

Said UC President Emeritus Richard C. Atkinson: "David Saxon was one of the truly great presidents of the University of California. He will be remembered for many reasons, but especially for his absolute dedication to the best interests of the university, to the ideal of public service and to the welfare of students, who always held a special place in his heart."

“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,” Chancellor Albert Carnesale said. “At UCLA, we mourn his passing, extend our condolences, and celebrate his life and his work.”

A Westwood resident, Saxon is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley; six daughters (Barbara, Cathy, Charlotte, Linda, Peggy, and Vicky); and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be planned at UCLA in 2006. The family suggests contributions in Saxon's memory to the David Saxon Physics Graduate Fellowship Fund, UCLA Foundation, 10920 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024; or the Braille Institute, 741 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029.