JERRY SAMUELSON

Samuelson, Jerry, passed away from cancer on April 27, 2012. He was born March 23, 1933 in Grand Marais, Minnesota. He grew up in Redondo Beach, and went to UCLA where he earned his degree in art, specializing in graphic design. An ROTC student at UCLA, he then served in the army for two years in Cleveland, Ohio. He returned to UCLA to teach graphic design. In 1961 he married Mary Lou and they moved to Fullerton, where he taught at the new campus at Cal State Fullerton. He later became Chair of their Art Department, and then Dean of the College of the Arts at California State University, Fullerton. During Jerry's 47 years at the university, he fostered the growth of the Art Department as well as Theatre, Music and Dance. He raised funds for, and helped to design, the Clayes Performing Arts Center. Jerry helped the campus grow, from the orange groves into the thriving university it is today.

Jerry and Mary Lou have four beloved sons: Steve, Jon, Eric, and Michael (d. 2011). They have four wonderful daughters-in-law (Jody, Karen, Shannan, and Michelle) and were blessed with terrific grandchildren (Nikki, Bonnie, Karlie, Katie Lou, Camden, Cassidy, Ryan, Richelle, Shelby, and Sabrina). Jerry will always be in our hearts. He led an amazingly full and happy life, and we were all blessed to have him with us. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation, 2600 Nutwood Avenue, Suite 850, Fullerton , CA 92831.