Editor’s note: this online story has been updated to show that Dr. Pomerantz served as undergraduate dean of the university, and that she earned her doctorate from UCLA. A correction will run in the next print issue of the Bulletin.
Dr. Linda Pomerantz, who worked 36 years at CSUDH and had an enormous impact on academics and the administration, passed away March 13. Retired since 2008, Dr. Pomerantz played an important academic and administrative role helping to solidify CSUDH as a viable CSU campus in its early
Dr. Pomerantz, a child of immigrants and a first-generation student like so many she would work with, received a master’s in library science from UC Berkely and a Ph.D. in history, with an emphasis on Chinese history, from UCLA. Initially, she taught at Cal State Fullerton, before joining CSUDH in 1972.
She taught for half her career, working in the history and interdisciplinary departments, as well as the M.A humanities external program. Midway through her career, she transitioned into administration, serving as associate dean in the College of Extended & International Education, and undergraduate dean for many years. Her final position before retiring was vice provost pro tem.
In her heart, say those who know her, Pomerantz was first and foremost a scholar. She was also a fluent Chinese speaker and was a member of a small delegation of women who traveled to China in the early 1970s to improve Chinese-American relations.
“She was especially proud of the knowledge and understanding about China that she imparted to students in numerous courses that she developed using interdisciplinary approaches,” history department chair Christopher Monty said in a March 16 e-mail informing the campus of Pomerantz’s passing.
After retiring in 2008, she continued to mentor students, participated in UCLA’s Plato society, an organization that enabled her to extend her love of learning and teaching, was involved with the American Historical
“She was a distinctive and admirable scholar, teacher, and administrator,” Dr. Lorna Fitzsimmons, a professor in the humanities department, said in an email. “DH was fortunate to grow under her influence. Her scope of knowledge had few peers on campus. Her wit and kindness encouraged others to participate and excel. I can see her now, smiling with a twinkle in her eye that lingered on in the eyes of her beholders.”
Dr. Pomerantz is survived by two sons, a sister, and a daughter-in law.
(Another former faculty member held in high regard also passed earlier this month, Dr. Getachew Kidane, of the biology department. You can read more about Dr. Kidane on The Bulletin’s website csudhbulletin.com.)
