Francisco A. Cauz Obituary (1928 - 2012)

Professor Francisco A. Cauz of Waterville, Maine passed away on June 27, 2012 after a courageous battle against a debilitating disease which he faced and fought with the utmost grace and dignity. Professor Cauz was born on June 4, 1928 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to Roman and Segunda Cauz and he grew up in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Professor Cauz led a full and diverse life. As a child, Professor Cauz took music lessons and became an avid and talented musician, playing the saxophone and the violin in several bands during his early years, which solidified his life-long love of music and the arts. After graduating from Perth Amboy High School, he enlisted in the Navy in 1946 and served his country for two years during World War II. After completing his naval service, Frank matriculated at Villanova University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree there in 1953. Subsequently, he enrolled at Middlebury College, earning a Master's degree in Spanish in 1954. While at Middlebury he studied abroad in Spain, and there he met his future wife, Micaela Bautista. After graduating from Middlebury College, Professor Cauz accepted a teaching position at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, during which time he continued to correspond with Micaela. He returned to Spain in the summer of 1957 and on July 3, 1957 he and Micaela, the love of his life, were married in Lagunilla, Spain, bringing to fruition their storybook love affair. Micaela would prove to be his staunchest supporter, his source of unending encouragement, and a most devoted life-long partner who completed and fulfilled him totally. Professor Cauz had been offered and had accepted a position as professor of Spanish at Colby College and on September 12, 1957, he and Micaela arrived in Waterville, Maine at which time Professor Cauz began his long and very accomplished career at Colby College. While at Colby College, Professor Cauz earned his Ph.D from Rutgers University, published a book, La Narrativa de Salas Barbadillo, wrote various articles including some in Anales Cervantinos, was promoted to full professor, and served as Chairman of the Modern Languages Department for several years. Professor Cauz was directly responsible for the organization of seminars at Colby College with such notable figures as nobel prize-winner, Severo Ochoa who also received an honorary degree from Colby College, authors Carlos Fuentes and Emilio Gonzalez Lopez, and Spanish consuls, Jimmy Lugo and Fernando Perpinac, among others. Professor Cauz founded a chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, an honor society for college students that major in Spanish, at Colby College. In addition, the University of Maine awarded him honorary membership in their chapter of Sigma Delta Pi. Professor Cauz was loved by his students many of whom continued to keep in touch with him throughout the years. He was admired and praised for his dynamic and challenging style of teaching which prepared his students well. Professor Cauz worked various summers for the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey devising test questions for the College Board Examination in Spanish and also for an institute developed to improve the language skills of Spanish teachers. He was also involved with and traveled extensively throughout Latin America with the LASPAU program. Professor Cauz would interview pre-qualified Latin American students and select the recipients of graduate scholarships to study in their field in the United States. Upon completion of their studies in the United States, these well prepared students would return to their college alma mater to teach in their field. In addition, in 1984, Professor Cauz developed and established an innovative study abroad program known as Colby in Salamanca in which American students enrolled in classes alongside native students and were taught by the University faculty at the University of Salamanca in Spain. Professor Cauz served as director of the program from its inception in 1984 to 1986 and also from 1990 to 1992. In 1993 he retired from Colby College after 36 years of faithful service completing his rewarding, multifaceted, and illustrious career. Professor Cauz is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years whose tireless care and unwavering support and commitment brought him great comfort and encouragement during his illness; two children, Lydia A. Cauz of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Albert R. Cauz of Staten Island, New York; three grandchildren, Micael F. Haskins, Alia C. Haskins, and Sebastian F. Cauz; a son-in-law, Frank Haskins and a daughter-in-law, Bridget McCabe; a sister, Lydia C. Renales and a brother-in-law, Emilio Renales of New Jersey; two sisters-in-law, Maria Bautista Valganon, and Clotilde Bautista of Spain; and various nieces, nephews, and cousins. Professor Cauz will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a man of honor and integrity who did not compromise his principles and values, and a wise man full of intensity, energy, and drive, striving always to do everything to the best of his ability. He will be missed immensely by his family members and friends, but he will continue to live in their hearts and minds always. He touched the lives of many people and the world has been left a much better place because of the life and the legacy of Francisco A. Cauz. We will always love you! The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Knausenberger, Dr. Bennett, and the staff at Lakewood for the wonderful care that they provided as well as to the very special friends and neighbors who provided such extraordinary support. A celebration of life mass for Professor Cauz will take place Sept. 15, 2012 at Lorimer Chapel, Colby College in Waterville. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of choice.