What can we learn from the life of Denice Denton?(Obituary)

In June, one of the country's leading scientists and a prominent supporter of women's equity in science fell to her death off the roof of the San Francisco skyscraper where she and her partner shared an apartment (see Newswatch).

Because she was Dr. Denice Dee Denton, chancellor of the University of California Santa Cruz, her apparent suicide was very public and very shocking. She was only 46, yet had amassed a string of fans, protegees, awards and achievements unlikely by one twice her age.

In the room when Harvard University's ex-president Larry Summers said that women may not have an aptitude for math and science, Denton was quick to speak up. Hers and other voices caused such a stink that Harvard pledged $50 million to support women on campus.

People loved her wit and wisdom, propensity to speak the truth and courage. She mentored mentors, created new ways to make search processes more inclusive, encouraged countless women in science and created programs for them.

She shared my middle name and had subscribed to WIHE since 2002, when a colleague sent her a free trial subscription. In May 2005, after renewing her subscription for two years and got a free copy of Gender Equity or Bust!, she wrote us a letter of thanks. She'd "skimmed the table of contents and seen some very interesting topics," and "looked forward to giving it a closer read." Her letter went on the editor's mental health wall.

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What got to her?