Goleman Dedication

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Newly Renovated Irving Goleman Library Dedication Ceremony

San Joaquin Delta College dedicated the newly renovate Irving Goleman Library with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 7th. The dedication featured members of the Goleman family, including Irving Goleman’s son, Dr. Daniel Goleman, a renowned psychologist, New York Times science journalist and author of the bestselling book, Emotional Intelligence.

Dr. Daniel Goleman movingly reminisced about his father’s early years, life as an educator, his writings and philosophies. Clearly, Irving Goleman was a much beloved instructor who impacted the lives of many students with his dedication and poignant insights.

Dr. Irving Goleman, (1898-1962) was a longtime literature teacher who believed, “No one was truly educated without experiencing the liberal arts.” Irving Goleman first came to Stockton in 1935 to teach humanities at the College of the Pacific. When Pacific formed its junior college division, he was among its early instructors. Eventually, most of his teaching was shifted to what became known as Stockton College, the predecessor of San Joaquin Delta College. Dr. Goleman emphasized that libraries were “sacred centers preserving wisdom” and therefore central as college learning centers.

Students willing to explore literature and the arts were told by counselors that they needed to take a course from Irving Goleman. Mr. Goleman remains in his student’s thoughts, even today.

Former Student Dwayn Isetti, history professor emeritus at St. Mary’s College says, “Irving Goleman began each class by writing a quote from Roman poet Terence on the board, ‘I am human, therefore nothing human can ever be alien to me.’ He was my mentor.”

Another student was jazz legend Dave Brubeck. “I am not affiliated with any church. Three Jewish teachers have been a great influence on my life, Irving Goleman, Darius Milhaud and Jesus. I am a product of Judaic-Christian thinking. Without the complications of theological doctrine, I wanted to understand what I had inherited in this world…both problems and answers from my cultural heritage.”

Former Irving Goleman Student, and retired Delta College history instructor, Chuck Bloch, recalls, “Students who took his courses regarded him as a great and inspiring teacher. Dr. Goleman’s memory continues to live in the hearts and minds of his former students.”

As Delta’s new Stockton campus library was nearing completion in 1973, scores of former students and current faculty began to urge Delta’s trustees to name the facility for former faculty member, Irving Goleman.

Chuck Block adds, “That Irving Goleman will always be remembered with his name on the college library is an inspiring memorial.”

Goleman Library Renovation

The Irving Goleman Library renovation was finance with funds from Delta’s 2004 Measure L Bond. The three-year project was completed during the summer of 2010. Renovation planning started with many hours of consultation with library staff, instructors, library users and student surveys. The library opened its doors to students on August 16th, the first day of Delta’s Fall 2010 Semester.

Impressed students immediately noticed the beautiful aesthetics of the new exterior design. The Irving Goleman Library features state-of-the-art improvements that create a technologically advanced information center. Library staff is still busy “fine tuning” the new study areas, classrooms and services. The goal: Create an atmosphere conductive to study and modern information retrieval that will enhance students’ learning opportunities.

The 50,000 sq. ft. library includes: 15 group study rooms, a faculty reading room, two small classrooms that can be converted into one large classroom, space for the college archives, and new furniture for all public areas. The renovation design included an additional 7,000 square feet for library services, with room for 66 computers in the Reference/Information Commons area.

Dr. Irving Goleman’s name will live on as a source of inspiration and education through Delta College’s newly renovated Irving Goleman Library. Welcome!

Dr. Daniel Goleman gives a speech at the Irving Goleman Library dedication.

Irving Goleman's son, Dr. Daniel Goleman, addresses the audience at the Goleman Library dedication.

Members of the Goleman family prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Members of the Goleman family join Delta College Board President Teresa Brown to cut the ceremonial ribbon. Left to right: Irving Goleman's daughters, Dr. Judith Goleman & Dr. Deborah Wolf, Dr. Daniel Goleman, and Board President Teresa Brown.

Standing ovation at the Goleman Library ribbon cutting ceremony.
A standing ovation!