In Memory

Deborah "Debbie" Joyce Kasten (Boroch) - Class Of 1974 VIEW PROFILE

Deborah Debbie Joyce Kasten (Boroch)

Oct 25, 1956 - Jul 18, 2009


Deborah Boroch (nee Kasten) of Phillips Ranch passed away on July 18, 2009 with friends and family at her side, after experiencing a sudden pulmonary embolism.

Born in Pasadena and raised in the Inland Empire, Debbie was a talented scholar in both art and science. She painted, played guitar, and eventually became an avid traveler and scuba diver with then-husband Robin Boroch.

It was science education that became Debbie's passion. After graduating from Claremont High School, she earned an associate degree at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut; a bachelor's degree in biology from Brigham Young University in Utah; a master's degree in biology from California State University Fullerton; and a doctorate in organizational leadership at the University of LaVerne. She graduated from all her programs with honors and was valedictorian of her class at LaVerne, yet Debbie was modest about her achievements.

She put her education to use primarily by returning to her roots at Mt. SAC. From teaching in the Biological Sciences Department, Debbie advanced to Associate Dean of the Natural Science D ivision and finally served as Dean of Instruction for the entire college. Debbie spearheaded many successful projects aimed at assisting under-prepared students with higher education, especially in math and science. She worked tirelessly with Natural Science Dean Larry Redinger to secure the funding and construction of a four-building Science Complex. She served with President John Nixon and Vice President of Instruction Virginia Burley at the highest level of administration related to student learning. Yet , as a former Mt. SAC student and teacher herself, Debbie was always available to students and faculty who sought her wisdom and experience.

Although devoted to her career, Debbie valued her relationships highly. She was a loyal friend who loved to celebrate special occasions with dinner, dancing or karaoke. Most recently, she used the online social network Facebook to stay in touch with new and old friends. Her Facebook page is full of the joy she shared with her partner Bruce Jacobs, with whom she explored the LA concert scene and continued to travel for sightseeing and snorkeling. Debbie's zest for life, caring heart and wry sense of humor brought comfort and laughter to countless people.

She will be deeply missed by her surviving partner Bruce, parents Don and Janette Kasten of Prescott, Arizona, sister Donna Kasten Clark of Claremont, close friend Larry Redinger as well as many others, and her entire Mt. SAC "family."

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Debbie at Mt. SAC in October. Don ations can be made to the Deborah J. Boroch Scholarship Fund.

~ Published in Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on August 2, 2009





Click here to see Deborah "Debbie" Joyce's last Profile entry.