Photoessay #2109 - Provost Thimann

Provost Kenneth V. Thimann presided over Crown College from its start in 1965 (students first arrived in 1967, I arrived in 1970) until 1972.  An eminent scientist and already well into his 60s, he came from an endowed Harvard professorship to build this small undergraduate science-based college as part of the new campus of the University of California.

From an UCSC institutional history:

In the early years when the collegiate system was the center of campus life, these provosts encouraged close faculty-student interaction, promoted college events, imaginative interdisciplinary courses, special meals and rituals, and amenities which gave the colleges distinctive personalities under their leadership.

I came to UCSC in 1970, eager to participate in all aspects uf UCSC life especially academics.  The pre-eminent academic figure I encountered was Kenneth Thimann, provost of Crown College.  A man with such bearing and wisdom, he presided with tremendous grace over the college events.  As the quote above indicated, the colleges were the center, the main place where the students lived and took classes.  There were special meals, College Nights and programs.

Here's a picture I used before from an informal college year book.  Monthly, Crown College put on a College Night, a special formal dinner and speaker.  I'm on the right sitting next to Steve W, my boyfriend at the time.  JJ is on the left.  I don't know who we are listening to but it could have been Provost Thimann.

I saw him often around the college, in his office.  Speaking with his soft English accent.  He would have Saturday morning receptions with tea and pastries in the Provost's home where he lived at Crown.


I wrote yesterday to a friend:
What a figure, so refined, so civilized, so magisterial, so eminent, so scholarly.  The real deal.  He was so distinguished, I was in awe.  I don't know if I ever had a conversation with him.  In truth, I was terrified to say a word to him.

I realize that I could write pages and pages about him.  He aspired to the highest standards in all areas.  And when I came to Crown, I did too.  He was the leading esteemed academic figure of the college and his message to us was that we should endeavor to meet the very highest standards.

Turned out to be impractical and rather devastating to me personally but I really worked towards that goal.  Reflecting now, I'm glad I had that opportunity.