In Memoriam

A well-known Sacramento State faculty member and a former president of the University’s Emeritus Association passed away over the summer.

Lila Jacobs, a professor in the College of Education and former chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, passed away June 27. She had taught at the University since 1990. Robert “Bob” Bess, former executive vice president of Sacramento State (1986-91) and former president of the University’s Emeritus Association, passed away July 20, after a fight with cancer.

Jacobs founded the Urban Leadership Program and was president of the California Faculty Association’s Sacramento Chapter. She also served on advisory boards of groups such as the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Freedom Bound Center and the Sacramento Women’s Network.

Bess’ career spanned six decades and included posts at several universities, including the Office of the Chancellor, California State University system. He also was involved in social issues. He was treasurer of the Endowment Corporation for Capital Public Radio in Sacramento and a volunteer consultant for the South Africa Initiative at the University of Port Elizabeth (now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University).

A scholarship fund has been set up in Jacob’s name. Tax-deductible donations to the Dr. Lila Jacobs Urban Leadership Scholarship Fund can be delivered to the University’s Development Office in Sacramento Hall, Room 118, or mailed to:  

Development Office
Sacramento State
6000 J Street, Sacramento Hall 118
Sacramento, CA 95819-6030

Checks should be made payable to: The University Foundation at Sacramento State. Memo line: Dr. Lila Jacobs fund.

A fund in Bess’ name has been established to support Sacramento State arts. Make checks payable to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation (with “Bob Bess Fund” in the memo line), and mail to:

Sacramento Region Community Foundation
740 University Avenue, Suite 110
Sacramento, CA 95825