Whittier College Trustee Emeritus Rayburn "Ray" Dezember ’53 died March 14 after a long illness.
"Those of you who had the pleasure of knowing Ray understand that the world has lost a most magnanimous, upbeat, smart, and talented man. Ray and his wife Joanie met at Whittier and never wavered in their loyalty to this institution," said Whittier College President Sharon Herzberger in a communication to campus.
A sociology major, Dezember served as president of the student government during his years at Whittier and led a campaign to raise student fees to help fund a new campus center. He played quarterback under legendary football coach George Allen.
As a business owner and banker throughout his successful career, he practiced the values emphasized at Whittier of serving community. Known as “Mr. Bakersfield” for his extensive contributions to that city, he also served Whittier as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1970-97 and again from 1999-03, and was chairman of the Board for seven years.
The Dezembers are among Whittier’s most generous donors, loyally supporting student scholarships, faculty, and athletics. Their support has also been instrumental in renewing every area of the campus, including Wardman Library, the Campus Center, Memorial Stadium, and most recently, the Science and Learning Center. Their names are inscribed on the Poets Laureate wall in Villalobos Hall, recognizing their more than $1 million in gifts to the College, and Dezember House proudly bears the family name. The Class of 1957 dedicated their 50th reunion gift to Dezember, recognizing his love for Whittier and creating a fund that now helps students network with successful alumni in all fields.
