Remembering life well lived

Lior Haykeen / Roundup

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 of the department, died Sept. 6. He was 90 years old.

During World War II, Adelson served as a B-24 bombardier, 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 would give you real sense of confidence,” said Smith. “Once he saw someone was genuine, he was real helpful.”

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.