The College of Science and Mathematics regretfully announces the passing of Jerome V. De Graff on March 24 from complications of pancreatic cancer. De Graff was appointed to an adjunct faculty position in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in 1997.

De Graff was a native of upstate New York where he received his bachelor’s degree in education and earth science from SUNY Geneseo. He began his career teaching eighth grade science in Pittsford and then worked as a lecturer for Rochester’s Strasenburgh Planetarium and geologist for the Museum of Science. He earned a master’s degree in geology from Utah State University and served as a geologist for the USDA Forest Service for over 36 years.

De Graff became the Sierra National Forest engineering geologist in 1982 and later, the province geologist for the Southern Sierra Province. He was instrumental in cleanup efforts for acid mine drainage and other hazardous waste present at abandoned mine sites on national forest land. He brought his extensive expertise to Fresno State and taught landslide and mine reclamation.

He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and a generous mentor, collaborator, colleague and friend. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; sons, Mark and Nicholas; and grandson, Liam.

Visit the College of Science and Mathematics blog to read more.