Dr. Max C. Norton, distinguished professor and founding chair of the Communication Studies Department at California State University, Stanislaus, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 at the age of 92. Norton spent the day before, Feb. 20, celebrating his 92nd birthday with family and friends at a restaurant in Turlock.
Born in Rigby, Idaho in 1920, Norton grew up and attended college in California’s Central Valley. After graduating from Oakdale High School at 16, Norton earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Modesto Junior College and both his Bachelor and Masters of Arts Degrees from the University of the Pacific. He went on to get his Doctorate of Philosophy Degree from the University of Denver before beginning his extensive career in education.
Dr. Norton was part of the original faculty of CSU Stanislaus, teaching classes held at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds when the college began in 1960. During his time at CSU Stanislaus, Norton served as a Professor of Speech and Language Pathology, the Dean of Arts and Humanities, and the Department Chair of the Speech Communication Department, respectively. Serving as both teacher and mentor, Dr. Norton retired from his professorship in 1987.
“Max was unique in his ability to understand, encourage, and support colleagues,” said Dr. Fred Hilpert, Emeritus Professor of Communication Studies at CSU Stanislaus. “His personal qualities of patience and empathy for others was evident in his relationships with his family, and he manifests this same disposition with his professional contacts.”
Besides his tremendous work at CSU Stanislaus, Norton will be remembered for his service in the U.S. Army during World War II; for founding the Stanislaus Speech and Hearing Center, later renamed the Max Norton Speech and Hearing Center; and for his contributions as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
“Max was guided by deep spiritual strength; he possessed the commitment and imagination to help others,” Hilpert said. “Dr. Max Norton set a high standard for achievement and the pursuit of excellence, which serves as a model to all of us.”
Norton spent his free time crafting custom stained-glass windows, publishing a trilogy of historical fiction novels entitled “The Alice Saga,” traveling the world, and leading workshops as a researcher in numerous countries.
“I will always remember Max for his wonderful kindness and dedication to students,” said Aleta Pallios-Klevmyr, lecturer in Communication Studies at CSU Stanislaus. “He was a gentleman and a mentor to all of us who worked with him.”
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the CSU Stanislaus Foundation; all donations will be used to benefit students majoring in Communication Studies.