Judith Scalin

Message from the President

January 28, 2020

Dear LMU Community:

I am saddened to share that Judith Scalin, emeritus professor of dance, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 23, 2020. She was 74 years old.

Professor Scalin joined LMU in 1976, and for 42 years she was devoted to her students, the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts, and the university. She exemplified the teacher-scholar model through her work in the classroom, as chair of LMU dance, and during the eight years she served as associate dean until her retirement in spring 2019. 

Professor Scalin helped conceive the Department of Dance. As the department’s inaugural chair and as associate dean, she created graduation plans for students and implemented effective curricula across a range of disciplines in CFA. Professor Scalin also served on numerous university committees, sharing her intellect, experience, and warm nature to inspire colleagues for the betterment of LMU.

Her bold vision has propelled the artistic pursuits of her students, now teachers and professional dancers in companies around the world, who continue to impart the knowledge and art of connection that they learned from their beloved mentor. Professor Scalin valued the interdisciplinary reach and cross cultural impact of dance, launching innovative programs that engage mind, body, and spirit. Through the power of dance, she helped us experience life as bountiful and boundaryless.

Professor Scalin received many honors throughout her career, including: the LMU President's Fritz B. Burns Distinguished Teaching Award; the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Professional Award; UCLA Distinguished Alumni Award; Eddy Distinguished Teaching Award; the California Dance Educators Association Award for Excellence in Teaching; and induction into Kappa Delta Pi (LMU School of Education), among others.

Professor Scalin earned her M.A. in dance at Mills College, her state secondary credential at UCLA, and her B.A. in dance at UCLA.

Services are pending and will be announced soon.

Please keep Judy, her family, and her many friends and admirers in your prayers. 

Sincerely,

Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.
President