Prepared remarks of Anu Luther

"Good morning.

I am Anu Luther, president of the UCSC Foundation Board. In my semiofficial capacity here today, I will allow myself the luxury to be semi-sentimental. I hope Denice knew from my unwavering support for her how much I admired and loved her but I will always regret that I did not tell her so.

My friend Vikram Seth, the poet, wrote these words years ago but only so that Denice and I could have a conversation today, and one that you could listen into. Denice goes first:

‘The bay is thick with flecks of white,
The freezing air is honed and thinned.
The gulls sleep on the stones tonight,
Wings locked against the prising wind.
With no companion to my mood,
Against the wind, as it should be,
I walk, but in my solitude
Bow to the wind that buffets me.’

A year ago, I saw Denice walk towards me and, indeed, against the wind. We shook hands and I turned around to walk with her. We connected over a shared intellectual position but never before had I met a leader with her fierce, emotional dedication to the cause of the underprivileged and disenfranchised. And we all watched her over the year as she resolutely translated that passion into action.

Over the year, Denice did walk mostly in solitude but it allowed the musician in her to compose. I am amazed at how productive she was in assembling her leadership team in such a short time—her orchestra, as it were. This university now has the extreme privilege of owning, and the option of playing, that “equal music” in which diversity and excellence are in a quietly assured harmony.

The foundation trustees will remain ever grateful to Denice that her last major public commitment to the university was the intense two days that she spent with us earlier this month, and we look forward to continuing our work.

Yes, Denice finally bowed to the buffeting wind but here is my response to her, also scripted by Vikram:

‘Music, such music, is a sufficient gift. Why ask for happiness, why hope not to grieve? It is enough, it is to be blessed enough, to live from day to day and to hear such music—not too much or the soul could not sustain it—from time to time.’ "

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