Former Merritt College President Dr. Robert "Bobby" Adams has passed away

Current Merritt College President Dr. David M. Johnson shared this message with the Merritt Community:

It is with a heavy heart that I share some very sad news. Our former Merritt College President Dr. Bobby Adams passed away this weekend. Dr. Adams served this college faithfully from 2007 until his retirement in 2012. I do not have any additional details at this time but will share them as more information is made available.

What I can say, however, is that Dr. Adams was an brilliant and committed educator with a heart of gold. Every time I was in his company, he was good-natured and provided me with mentorship and wise counsel. Many of you knew him well and can attest to his tireless dedication to this College. He left an indelible mark and will be missed dearly by those of us who admired him.   

Rest easy, Dr. Adams…

Laney College Celebrates the Lives of Colleagues Eva Clark and Phillip Tou

Longtime Laney College instructor Eva H. Clark has passed away, and funeral services were held on September 11, 2023. Ms. Clark was with the District from 1966–2019, beginning her career at Vista College and teaching in a number of disciplines. Like so many who give of themselves in the field of education, Clark’s legacy will endure in the students and Peralta colleagues she impacted during her years with us.

On Saturday, September 2, 2023, the Laney Community was saddened by the news that Chemistry Professor Phillip Tou had passed away. Professor Tou taught in the Chemistry Department at Laney for nearly two decades, and both students and colleagues in the department shared that he was a dependable and valued teacher and colleague, remembered as someone who was always willing to help.

There were several occasions when Phillip stepped up and took on additional teaching assignments when we found ourselves short-staffed. Those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, found Phillip to be a warm and caring individual. He expressed genuine concern for the well-being of his colleagues, especially for our late department chair Stephen Corlett when he was battling cancer.

Phillip was a serious foodie who frequented the Laney Bistro and enjoyed treating colleagues to lunch at his favorite restaurants. Members of the department were frequently gifted with interesting sweets when he would return from his annual trip to Taiwan. Phillip, with his pleasant and humble demeanor, will be missed by the Laney Chemistry department (Thoughts shared on behalf of Chemistry colleagues by Professor William Trego.).

Laney College celebrates the lives of these two treasured colleagues, and dedicated September 12, 2023, to their memories, as well as to all who mourn their loss during this trying time.