Roderic Park, a former top-ranking UC Berkeley administrator and a professor of botany and plant biology, died in his home last Friday. He was 81.
Those who knew Park say he is best remembered for his contribution to the reorganization of UC Berkeley’s biological science departments in the 1990s. He led the effort that combined smaller departments to form what are now known as the integrative biology and molecular and cell biology departments.
“It takes quite a good diplomat to try to get faculty to go along with that kind of change,” said Brent Mishler, director of the University and Jepson Herbaria, a campus facility that houses more than 2 million plant specimens.
Park joined the UC Berkeley faculty in 1960, serving as a professor, researcher and administrator over the course of his 30 years at the campus. He last served as chair of the trustees of the University and Jepson Herbaria.
During his career, Park published 84 research papers and was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 1962, he discovered quantasomes, which are particles found in chloroplasts.
According to Bob Buchanan, a professor emeritus in the campus department of plant and microbial biology, Park helped raise money for the construction of Koshland Hall and the Life Sciences Addition, as well as the renovation of the Valley Life Sciences Building.
“He really left a mark on this campus,” Buchanan said. “His departure was a great loss to the university.”
During his time as the equivalent of what is now executive vice chancellor, Park was a strong advocate for affirmative action. He worked to increase the number of underrepresented students and faculty members by advocating for relevant policies, including one mandating that underrepresented students automatically receive student housing, said John Cummins, who worked in the chancellor’s office when Park was a vice chancellor in the 1980s.
“He was the person that ran the campus from the inside,” Cummins said.
Park was also involved in managing campus response to protests. During the 1985 and 1986 protests against apartheid in South Africa, Park played a major role in keeping the protest safe for both authorities and protesters, Cummins said. Park was part of a committee called the Operations Group, which met to make decisions related to managing the protest.
In addition to his contributions to UC Berkeley, Park helped choose the location for the UC Merced campus and served as the campus’ senior associate for academic development from 2000 to 2001. In 2006, Park returned to UC Merced to serve as interim chancellor.
“He really loved the University of California,” said Jane Lawrence, vice chancellor of student affairs at UC Merced.
In addition to his academic and administrative contributions to the University of California, Park owned a vineyard, built a two-seater airplane and was a sailor who participated in the He is survived by his wife, three children, a stepson and eight grandchildren.
Contact Lydia Tuan at [email protected].