Dr. Gonzaga da Gama (1963-2009)
Dr. Gonzaga da Gama, an Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism Management (HRTM) at San Jose State University unexpectedly passed away on June 29, 2009 while travelling abroad in Kenya. Dr. da Gama suffered a major heart attack while staying at a hotel just prior to his return to his India – he was with his family at the time. Gonzaga was a CPRS member and active supporter for the past 10 years. He was born and raised in Goa, India. He came to San Jose State after earning his Ph. D from the University of Minnesota in 2000. Gonzaga will be greatly missed by his many students, friends and professional colleagues at San Jose State University, in California and across the globe. He was a wonderful man - caring, loving, kind. His radiant smile was always a welcome sight, and he always wore it. Gonzaga served as a faculty member for almost a decade at SJSU and touched many lives – he was certainly a great mentor for HRTM students, deeply committed to his roles as a faculty member and parks and recreation professional, and as a champion for social justice and marginalized populations. There will be a memorial celebration of Gonzaga’s life on August 28th at San Jose State University – a memorial scholarship is also being established in his name. For additional information please see below or contact the HRTM Department Office at 408-924-3000.
A public memorial celebration of Gonzaga’s life will be held at the San Jose State campus (Engineering Building 189) at 4pm on Friday, August 28th. Free parking for the memorial celebration will be available in the 10th Street Campus Parking Garage (entrance on the corner of San Fernando Street and 9th Street) in addition to Parking Lot 4 on S. 10th Street (west side of 10th Street between San Fernando and San Antonio Streets). For additional information please contact our HRTM office at 408-924-3000. Click here for a link to the campus map.
A memorial scholarship has been established in Gonzaga’s name in the Department of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism Management. Donations may be made by check - made payable to the Tower Foundation with "Gonzaga da Gama Memorial Scholarship" written out on the memo line. Mail checks to Department of HRTM, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0211. If you would prefer to make a tax-exempt donation/gift to this scholarship by credit card, please click here.
One Washington Square
San José CA 95192-0211
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