Clarence & Nora Sterling

Clarence Sterling (March 25, 1919 – Aug. 13, 1996) was a pioneer in UCD’s Department of Food Science and Technology. He joined the faculty in 1951 after receiving his doctorate in plant anatomy and morphology from UC Berkeley in 1944, and after teaching at the University of Wisconsin, University of Louisville and UC Berkeley. He researched the microscopic, sub-microscopic and molecular structure of foods. He was an expert in floral morphology and reproductive morphology of gymnosperms, roses and lilies. He was the author or co-author of some 160 scientific papers, and was the ultimate university scholar -- a hard-working, quiet and unassuming professor.

Nora Weintraub Sterling (Dec. 21, 1919 – Jan. 11, 2008) was one of the founders of the Davis Parent Nursery School, and she went on to serve as one of its directors for 18 years. She was an early childhood educator and social worker active in Davis civic affairs for nearly 60 years. She was the first social services director of the Yolo County Head Start program and a founding member of the Davis Committee for Early Childhood Needs. Nora was well-known for her warmth, good humor, love of family and tireless advocacy for children.