A memorial service dedicated to one of the founders of Pierce College’s Media Arts Department will take place in the Great Hall Sunday, Nov. 6, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Ben Adelson, who was also a faculty member at the department, died Sept. 6. He was 90 years old.
During World War II, Adelson served as a B-24 bombaider, based in Southwest China, and earned five Air Medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross.
After teaching at Fairfax High School, Adelson joined the Pierce faculty. He brought together a team of professors, and started the modern era of Pierce’s journalism program, while helping found the Media Arts Department.
“He was a real stickler for accuracy,” said former student Stacy Smith.
Adelson was a Roundup advisor when Smith was the newspaper’s editor in chief during 1975.
“He would give you real sense of confidence,” said Smith. “Once he saw someone was genuine, he was real helpful.”
Adelson was interred in a military cemetery. He was buried next to reserved graveside space, so that he will eventually rest side-by-side with his wife.
Adelson’s former students and colleagues, including the three other Media Arts Department founders, will be attending his memorial service on campus, according to Smith.
