Van Groningen, longtime YCCD chancellor and Modesto Irrigation director, dies at 93
Longtime Yosemite Community College chancellor and Modesto Irrigation District director Tom Van Groningen died April 28, less than two weeks from his 94th birthday. His involvement in Modesto-area public service was extensive.
Van Groningen was YCCD chancellor from 1974-92 and the interim president of Modesto Junior College from 1985-87. MJC President Brian Sanders described the former chancellor’s tenure as “the heyday of collegiality and family-friendly culture at Modesto Junior College.”
“A scholar and gentleman, Tom represented the district with grace and kindness coupled with vision and drive for success. He actively participated in MJC and YCCD and community events,” Sanders said. “After retiring from the district, he remained thoroughly committed to MJC. He attended sporting events, plays, convocations and commencements. He was a regular at the annual holiday party at the McHenry Museum, always with his dear wife, Grace, by his side. Their constant support and presence will be missed by the MJC and YCCD families.”
Van Groningen served on the MID Board of Directors from 1993-2013.
“We were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a devoted public servant and a respected, longtime MID director,” MID General Manager Jimi Netniss said in a statement to the Bee. “His legacy was marked by enduring curiosity and innovation. I had the privilege to work with him on several projects during his tenure and will continue to draw inspiration from his example of servant leadership.”
Van Groningen also served the boards of Memorial Medical Center, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, Community Hospice and other local agencies.
“Tom Van Groningen was a kind, gracious, and genuinely warm person who made a lasting impact on our community through both his leadership and his character,” Trish Christensen, CEO and president of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement to The Modesto Bee. “As a valued Greater Modesto Chamber of Commerce member since 1976, Tom exemplified dedication to community service and connection.”
His’s service to local education systems extended beyond his tenure as chancellor at YCCD. In 1997, he donated $100,000 to YCCD for “leadership development training to YCCD educational leaders.” The donation grew interest and by 2011 had reached $177,000, which YCCD then used for staff leadership training.
Even in 2023, years after his departure from YCCD, Van Groningen was vocal in criticizing high turnover within MJC’s leadership. Van Groningen was inducted into the Modesto Junior College Hall of Fame, recognized for his YCCD leadership, his support for MJC athletics and his time as a football player at Fresno State from 1950-52.
Christensen said she enjoyed crossing paths with him both as a neighbor and while working within the community. “His legacy of friendship, service, and compassion will not be forgotten,” she said.
No information on services was immediately available. Deegan Funeral Chapels is handling arrangements.
