Biology professor passes away

August 28, 2006

Biology professor Dr. Alan J. Cohen, who was recognized around campus for his quiet demeanor and professorial appearance, died of an apparent heart attack Tuesday while preparing for classes on the second day of the fall semester.

Cohen, a member of the Irvine Valley College faculty since 1994, collapsed in his office just before noon. CPR was administered by faculty members until they were relieved by Orange County Fire Authority paramedics. Cohen was transferred to Irvine Medical Center where he later died.

Cohen had taught life science courses at the college since 1994. He had also taught biology at several other colleges and universities around southern California.

Toshio Whelchel, a long-time friend who teaches history at the college, remembers Cohen as a proud and loving father and husband, who, in addition to being an inquisitive scientist, had a passion for the life sciences. According to Whelchel, Cohen’s love of biology was evident not only in the way he taught biology, but in the way he treated people.

“Alan was a mentor to me. He treated me—all of us—with great kindness, and he was always eager to say hi and sit down to have a conversation. His teaching elevated the stature of IVC—he was a great asset. His passing is a great loss to me.”

Cohen, a resident of Lake Forest, is survived by his wife Elaine, his son Joshua Marshall of New York, his daughter Zamia Cohen of Santa Monica, and his mother Sophie Cohen, of St. Louis, MO. He was 68.