R.I.P. Marshall Mitzman

Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD) Trustee Marshall Mitzman passed away on Apr. 14. The cause of death was related to COVID-19. He was 73 years old.

Dr. Mitzman was first elected to the board of trustees in 2008, representing Area 1, the City of Hayward. He had been Board President for one term.

“Mitzman was our guy,” said Miguel Colon, Chabot College business professor. “A Chabot guy. A guy we knew would be at our events supporting us and our students. He will be missed.”

According to his CLPCCD biography, Dr. Mitzman was “an active member in the Hayward business and nonprofit community” with experience at Bank of America, Memorex Corporation, Nestle Corporation, and Avis Rent a Car, as well as his own business.

Dr. Mitzman had been an adjunct instructor at local community colleges and the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and held a lifetime California Community College teaching credential.

He received his bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, masters and doctoral degrees from Cambridge University, and associate degrees from Foothill College and De Anza College.

“Marshall’s devotion to Chabot College students was profound, and I think it is fair to say that, short of illness, nothing ever kept him away from celebrating their achievements,” said Chabot College President Dr. Susan Sperling.

“He was a most recognizable presence across Hayward’s philanthropic landscape, and had special mentoring relationships with a number of our College groups, including DECA and Striving Black Brothers.”

Dr. Mitzman had served on the boards of such organizations as Alameda County School Boards Association, Alameda County Salvation Army, Hayward Education Foundation, Friends of Chabot College Foundation, and Hayward Chamber of Commerce.

According to the East Bay Citizen, Dr. Mitzman had been in and out of Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hayward since January while recovering from brain surgery. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into the facility, where 13 people have died of COVID-19, as reported by KRON-4.

The CLPCCD board of trustees will discuss the next steps for filling Dr. Mitzman’s vacant seat at its next meeting on Apr. 21.

Dr. Mitzman is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Mrs. Mitzman wishes to hold her husband’s memorial “when the community can gather again.”

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