In Memorium

A Legacy of Volunteerism and Support for CSUN

Courtesy of Jody Myers

Earl GreinetzEarl Greinetz (June 18, 1930 - September 6, 2016)

Earl Greinetz's involve­ment with California State University, Northridge, began over a decade ago with his vol­unteer work on the Jew­ish Studies Program Advisory Board. Though he grew up in Colorado and earned his law de­gree at the University o fDenver, Earl, along with his late wife, Toba, were longtime San Fernando Valley resi­dents and eager boosters of its cultural institutions. A proud parent of a CSUN alumna, Earl was delighted to discover a Jewish Studies Program of such significance at the Valley's only four-year public university. He quickly became a staunch advocate for the program and never tired of com­municating its value among greater Los Angeles communi­ties. Students in the course "Service Learning in the Jewish Community" benefited from Earl's prolific connections with Jewish social service organizations, where he helped to ar­range many meaningful volunteer opportunities. 

Through his longtime generosity to the Jewish Studies Pro­gram-as well as the Valley Performing Arts Center and the CSUN Student Orchestra-Greinetz has affected the lives of countless CSUN students, and he has designated a legacy gift to ensure that future Jewish Studies scholars, Jewish community advocates, virtuoso musicians, and students from other backgrounds and disciplines will continue to reap the benefits of his involvement.

Greinetz was a special man who warmed the hearts of all who crossed his path. In 2014 the College of Humanities presented its annual Volunteer Service Award to Earl, high­lighting his conscientious support, volunteer advocacy, and visionary leadership among hundreds of fellow benefactors who helped to develop and sustain CSUN's Jewish Studies Program. Earl is survived by three children, 10 grandchil­dren, and three great-grandchildren.

 

Admired Colleague, Beloved Friend

Courtesy of Claire White

John McGrawPhoto courtesy of John McGraw

It was with great sadness that we learned of John McGraw's sudden and unexpected passing, July 20, in his home in Sedo­na, Arizona. He was 41.

McGraw was a much loved colleague and friend who will be greatly missed. He was an avid scholar in a relatively new ap­proach to the study of religion known as "the cognitive sci­ence of religion." At the time of his death, he was celebrating the end of his first year as an assistant professor at California State University, Northridge, in the Department of Religious Studies. He also taught courses in Central American Stud­ies. McGraw has left a legacy of great work, especially as a Maya ritual specialist.

McGraw was admired and respected as an accomplished aca­demic by his colleagues and students. He will also be remem­bered for his inspiring personal qualities, which are sincerely too many to list here, but that include his passion for life, kindness, tolerance, and compassion. In his first year at CSUN, I never heard John complain once. When I asked how he managed to never say anything negative, he told me that life was a gift and he was thankful for each day, that he had food, more money than he thought he needed, and was being paid to do something he would pay to do.

To say that McGraw loved life is an understatement. Indeed, in his last post on social media he shared 12 inspirational quotes from the Dalai Lama on how to live a good life. It is fair to say that he lived a good life. In his legacy, we will strive to do the same.