In Memoriam: Anne Day
A former first lady of SDSU, Anne Day is remembered for her warmth and generosity.
Her husband, Thomas Day, was appointed president of SDSU in 1978. His tenure, during which he oversaw a period of tremendous growth for the university, ended with his retirement in 1996.
Devoted to family
While Thomas Day managed the growth of the university, Anne relished the role of first lady and dedicated herself to managing the growth of her burgeoning family. Their marriage was a partnership in the truest sense of the word.
Barbara Hartung was President Day’s executive assistant during his tenure, and became close friends with Anne.
“Anne was a very devoted woman--to her children, her husband, SDSU, and to the larger community,” Hartung said.
Precious personality
“She was the First Lady of SDSU during a pivotal time for the university,” Hartung observed. “Anne was a wife and mother who raised nine children while somehow managing to find the time to attend more than 1,000 university events.”
Faculty, students, and staff were all recipients of her warmth and generosity--what Hartung called Day’s “precious personality.”
A gracious hostess
Jim Cobble was a graduate dean and member of President Day’s cabinet. He recalled the Days as “a very tight family with great connectivity to the university.
“Anne was a lovely person, and she loved to entertain,” Cobble said. “She treated my wife so well and made her feel comfortable. That spoke volumes to me. I didn’t know anyone who didn’t like Anne.”
Hartung concurred. “Anne was always a gracious hostess. Some of my fondest memories are of Anne and Dr. Day entertaining in their home during Christmas time.”
A family of alumni
For Day, family extended well beyond the walls of her home, to the larger community. She sat on the board of Girl Scouts San Diego and served as camp director. She played a key role in SDSU’s Women’s Association, hosting its annual luncheon.
“Every year the highlight was Anne’s presentation of the scholarships,” said Hartung.
In addition to her graciousness, warmth and generosity, Day will be remembered for raising nine children, six of whom are SDSU alumni--Monica Berenter, Kevin Day, Timothy Day, Jonathan Day, Patrick Day and Adam Day. One grand-daughter is currently a student at SDSU and another will attend beginning in fall 2013.
The family is planning a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Day’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego or the Girl Scouts of America.
