Born in France to Dutch parents, DenBoer, 59, grew up mostly in Canada before earning a PhD in physics and serving in various academic posts at New York institutions, including associate provost in the City University system. While at Queens College, he had to consolidate academic programs during the financial crisis that followed the Sept. 11 attacks.
The economy and enrollments there eventually recovered. But he doesn't expect that Cal State will ever completely recoup its losses from this downturn.
He recalls the time, while training for the New York City Marathon, that he was struck by a car and spent three months in the hospital with a broken neck and legs so shattered that his doctors expected he would never walk again. He recovered, but the experience of helplessness and dependence led him to switch from research to more active academic roles.
Now DenBoer hopes that his legacy at Pomona will be one of helping keep the school alive.
"I think we're in a better position than some campuses because we have a pretty well-defined and supported mission," he said. "We'll survive and do well, but the future will not be the same."
carla.rivera@latimes.com
