Dr. Thomas Wahlund

CARBONDALE - Family, friends and students mourn the passing of Tom Wahlund, Ph.D., Professor of Microbiology at Cal State, San Marcos, Calif. Tom was 60 years old when he died at home, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, after a brief but intense battle with cancer.

Thirty-seven years ago, Tom met the love of his life, Colleen Moss, Ph.D., Cal State professor of psychology, artist and interior designer and garden "magician." Their extraordinary love for each other was an inspiration for all who knew them. A native of Chicago, Tom was the oldest of 11 children, whom he helped raise after they lost their parents in childhood.

He is survived by: his beloved wife, Colleen and his siblings Jim, John, Bob, Bill, Rick, E.J., Joan, Mary, and Patty, and was preceded in death by his sister, Jane. Tom's career in science started in the Southern Illinois town of Murphysboro, where he taught high school biology after completing his undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Recognized for his great gifts in inspiring students, Tom was encouraged to pursue graduate work in microbiology, which he did at SIUC under the nationally known author and researcher, Michael Madigan.

After completing his doctorate, Tom undertook post-doctoral study with F. Robert Tabita at the Ohio State University in Columbus. He came to Cal State San Marcos in 1997. Author of numerous research articles, Tom was a rarity in academics, being an inspirational teacher as well as a world-class research scientist. He was noted for his ability to mentor and nurture inquiring minds, many of them first generation college students, and preparing them for advanced study at schools like UCLA, UC-Irvine and Virginia Tech. Primarily with his Cal State colleague, Betsy Read, Ed.D., Tom carried out original research on the genomics of marine algae, in collaboration with an international team of scientists.

Tom was principal investigator on numerous National Institutes of Health research grants, and was invited to present his work at international meetings in England, France and South Africa. He gave generously of his time and knowledge, involving more than 100 graduate and undergraduate students in his research endeavors and publications. Tom was extraordinary in his personal as well as his professional life. In his younger years, he was a formidable wrestler at the national level. When an injury prevented him from competing, he turned his considerable energies to other sports, including running, racquetball, biking and weightlifting. Yoga exercise and philosophy were also important parts of his weekly routine.

In spite of his impressive professional credentials, Tom was famous for his extravagant sense of humor and his incredible ability to enjoy life and have fun. He would light up a room with his smile, energy and self-deprecating humor. Together with Colleen, Tom will be remembered for his generosity in helping those in need, including reaching out to students facing personal challenges. He had an uncanny ability to connect with nearly every person he met. With students, he worked shoulder to shoulder with them in the laboratory, making learning relevant, and great fun, for everyone.

According to one admiring student, "Not only did he teach us the textbook chapters, but he also shared his 'Ph.D. in life' with us."

His laughter, his generosity of spirit and his zest for life will reverberate in the memories of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends may contribute to a memorial scholarship fund in Tom's name at California State University San Marcos.

Contributions should be made out to the CSUSM Foundation, with Tom Wahlund Scholarship Fund in the memo section. You may mail contributions to California State University San Marcos, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096-0001, Attn: Melinda Newsome. A memorial service will be Sunday, Oct. 5, in San Diego.

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