It is with deep personal regret that I inform you of the death a MOAA Founder; Dr. Charles Whitcomb (April 3, 1946 - July 15, 2016) on Friday, July 15. We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague.

Dr. Charles Whitcomb retired in 2012, after 40 years of service to San Jose State University. Many of us simply called him Charlie and knew him for his life's passions; a teacher and a champion for others.

Charlie begin his teaching in 1971, starting as an assistant professor of recreation and leisure studies at San Jose State University. He climbed in status to full professor and served as department chair twice, once for a 10-year stint and again for the two years before accepting the position of Vice Provost for Academic Administration and Personnel in the Office of the Provost\Vice President for Academic Affairs. He was the university's ombudsman for four years, and was the university's Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) for twenty years.

As a MOAA founding member, Charlie served on the MOAA Board of Directors for six years. Charlie was the first chair of the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC). The MOIC was the first NCAA committee to push for programs designed specifically for the enhancement of opportunities for ethnic minorities in college athletics. Additionally, he served terms on the NCAA Management Council as well as chaired and served on numerous NCAA policy committees. As a champion for others, Charlie's central mission was to create an environment that celebrates diversity and recognizes differences as strengths of the fabric of our society.

Each of us not only grieves at the passing of a tremendous individual but also for the loss his family suffers. We will all miss a great human being. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

In lieu of flowers, friends can donate to San Jose State University to the benefit of the Charlie Whitcomb Scholarship Foundation. (Tower Foundation, SJSU, One Washington Sq. San Jose CA 95192)

Also, there is a digital site that will live forever if people want to tell their stories of look at pictures:

http://dr-charles-whitcomb.lastingmemories.com

Stan Johnson
MOAA Executive Director