Dr. Thomas Brennock Day, President Emeritus, San Diego State University

Thomas Brennock Day passed away peacefully on June 15, 2021. Born on March 7, 1932, and raised in New York, New York, Thomas was the son of Frederick Davis Day and Alice Brennock Lanahan. Thomas had 4 sisters: Joan (Herb Mallamo), Priscilla (Irving Boekelheide), Patience (Charles Weitz), Abbyann (Lawrence Lynch) and 1 brother, Frederick (Dorothy).

Thomas graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. In 1957, Day completed a Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University.  Later, he began working at the University of Maryland in College Park, first as a research assistant and later as a professor in the physics department, specializing in theoretical and experimental physics. In 1970, Thomas became the Vice Chancellor for Academic Planning and Policy at the College Park campus. Eventually, he was appointed the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Baltimore campus.

In 1978, Thomas moved to San Diego and became the sixth President of San Diego State University. Thomas' eighteen-year tenure saw the creation of six joint doctoral programs. He also lobbied for affirmative action and promoted a "teacher-scholar" model, emphasizing faculty research. His focus on research greatly increased the number of grant contracts for San Diego State University. In addition, he expanded the SDSU campus, creating a School of Public Health, the School of Communication, and a North County campus, which eventually became CSU San Marcos. Thomas retired in 1996.

Thomas was appointed as a member of the National Science Board from 1984 to 1996 by both President Ronald Reagan and President George H. Bush and served as a vice-chairman from 1990 to 1994. He was a Senior Fellow of the California Council on Science and Technology and a former board member.

On September 5, 1953, Thomas married the love of his life, Anne E. Kohlbrenner, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of The University of Notre Dame.

Thomas was the proud father of 9 children: Erica Lane (Maurice), Monica  Berenter, Dr. Mark Day (Joyce) , Kevin Day (Randall Posorek), Sara Day (Tom Occhetti), Dr. Timothy Day (Krista), Jonathan Day (Jamie Ward), Patrick Day (Marianne) and Adam Day (Suzi).

Thomas was also the much-loved grandfather of 16 and great grandfather of 11.

A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Endowment To Fund The Thomas B. Day Awards For Excellence In Physics at San Diego State University.