Brodie%20_DSC8475.jpg The College of Engineering and Computer Science lost a close friend when Dennis Brodie, chief operating officer of ResMed, Inc., passed away on August 31 at the age of 54. A CSUN alumnus twice over, he earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1980 and an MBA in 1985, making Dean’s List four times. Despite a demanding job and major professional responsibilities, he retained close ties to the university, contributing money and time. According to his wife, Tina, he wanted to give something back to the university and was always proud to help CSUN students. He made sure that ResMed engaged engineering and computer science students through internships and career opportunities, and he was instrumental in the development of the master’s degree program in assistive technology. From early 2008 on, he was part of the program’s planning team, regularly attending meetings and helping to map out the curriculum. He then went on to teach a seminar series in the program. He was honored with a Volunteer Service Award by the university in 2008.

“I met Dennis when I first came to the university, and he has been a constant supporter of the college and our students over the past five years,” says CECS dean S. K. Ramesh. “He was an amazing person and played a vital role in building our new Assistive Technology program. This is a huge loss to the college and to me personally.”

“I was very fortunate to work with a person who had such great personality, always with a beaming smile,” adds mechanical engineering professor C.T. Lin, who worked closely with Brodie for more than three years in planning and implementing the assistive technology master’s program. “He made you feel comfortable working with him. Students from his classes had high praise for his devotion, enthusiasm for teaching and his approachability and availability. His passing has left a big void in the program. Personally, I have lost a great colleague and a close friend.”

Brodie’s wife, Tina, and his daughters, Jennifer and Nicole, sent a message thanking CSUN for “fulfilling his dream.”