Lease, Gus C. (1922-2016)
Date Updated
10-15-2019
Department
Music
Academic Rank
Professor
Year Retired from SJSU
1993
Educational Background
University of South Dakota, 1959 Ed.D.
University of Colorado, 1946 M.MUS
Morningside College, 1945 B.SCH.MUS
Teaching Experience
San José State University, 1950-2011
University of Oklahoma, 1946-1950
University of Colorado, 1945-1946
Administrative and Professional Experience
Music Director, Downtown Kiwanis Club, San José CA, 46 years
Former member, San Francisco Opera Company
Soloist: Oklahoma State Symphony, Sioux City Symphony, University of Colorado Symphony, San Jose Symphony, Monahan Post Band. Sang on first television network Hollywood 1939.
Toured eight western U.S. states, Orient, and Europe, entertaining service people for 17 years with my "Gus Lease Show."
Active member in California State Employees Association, California Faculty Association, California Teachers Association, Cal. State Retirees, Inc., and National Education Association.
Files
Personal Commentary
I have loved teaching in higher education for 66 years. Without students there is no university. My hope is that they have been inspired by me as much as I have been inspired by them.
Date Completed: May, 2011
As I start my 47th year of teaching at San Jose State University, I look back at my 51 years of teaching in Higher Education with a beautiful, warm feeling. I have touched the lives of over 30,000 students during these years.
I care about San Jose State University and especially the School of Music where I served as Chairman for almost six years. Isn't it funny, I have always looked forward to the new fall semester with great excitement. New students, new music and new adventures. I have enjoyed teaching and singing music all these years‑‑it's been fun‑not work!
Date Completed: 8/96
Adapted from: Biographies of Retired Faculty San Jose State University 1997: A Project of the Emeritus Faculty Association of San Jose State University. San Jose, CA: The University, 1997.