Dr. Steven Walker, criminology professor emeritus and a pioneer in the field of victim advocacy, passed away on May 16. He was 79 years old.

A visionary educator and dedicated philanthropist, he began teaching at Fresno State from 1989 to 1992. He rejoined campus in 1998 and later served as the associate dean of the College of Social Sciences before retiring in 2012 as chair of the Criminology Department.

In 1992, he developed a bachelor's program in victimology, the nation’s first undergraduate degree of its kind, and now one of the College of Social Sciences’ largest degree programs. He later created graduate-level and online courses in victimology, and a joint doctoral program with UC Davis in forensic behavior sciences with an option in victimology in 2009.

He also initiated the nation’s first academic Victim Services Certificate, a program completed by thousands of full-time practitioners.

Over his distinguished career, he also taught at Tabor College and Kansas City Community College and was instrumental in developing the National Victim Assistance Academy.

His groundbreaking work earned him prestigious national accolades, including the Navy Preceptor of the Year, Office for Victims of Crime Allied Professional Award and a presidential award from President George W. Bush.

His dedication to helping others professionally included experience as a social worker and clinical director for major therapy and substance abuse programs.

Steve’s commitment to justice extended to his personal life and ranged from Vietnam War and civil rights protests, mission trips to Costa Rica, and volunteer efforts at animal shelters, soup kitchens and churches.

In his spare time, he enjoyed singing in the church choir, reading, writing poetry and a marathon running career that added up to over 60,000 miles.

He is survived by his children, Hannah Pfannenstiel, Isaac Pfannenstiel, Noah Hopson-Walker and Fresno State printmaking assistant professor Matthew Hopson-Walker; four grandchildren; his brother, Greg and six nieces and nephews.

Details for the service on Aug. 1 are available from his family. Read more about his legacy in his obituary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Walker Memorial Fund at ABCGRR, Box 13457, Springfield, IL 62791-3457, which supports Costa Rican missionary work.