Norman Pence, Ph.D., professor of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics, died Jan. 7 at age 79. Members of the Metropolitan State University of Denver community are invited to honor Pence’s life and impact at an upcoming memorial service.
- Feb. 9, 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m.
- Horan & McConaty, 7577 W. 80th Ave., Arvada.
- Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Berthoud.
Pence completed his undergraduate studies in Science and Mathematics at Southern Illinois University. After a professional career of approximately 10 years, he joined MSU Denver full-time in 1979 while completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Mineral Economics at the Colorado School of Mines. He spent the rest of his career as a dedicated Roadrunner, teaching Managerial Statistics and Management Science to thousands of students.
Pence will be remembered fondly by his students and fellow faculty members. Abel Moreno, Ph.D., professor and department chair, called Pence a well-respected faculty advocate who was always available to support students and offer guidance to junior faculty members.
Department colleague George Garman, Ph.D., professor, noted that Pence, who was active in the MSU Denver Faculty Federation, had an intense interest in making life better for all faculty members. “He was instrumental in organizing faculty so that everyone could receive better pay and working conditions,” Garman said.
Daphne M. Simmonds, Ph.D., associate professor, called Pence a friend and mentor who helped her navigate the tenure process and tailor coursework to meet student needs. Simmonds also remembers sharing fruit breaks and lunches with Pence and Garman at La Loma, My Brother’s Bar and other Denver institutions.
“Those are great memories,” Simmonds said. “Norm will forever be in my heart as the ‘gentle giant,’ as I’ve heard him called.”