City College’s beloved academic counselor Dave Morley passed away early February after living a successful, well fulfilled life since 1939.

Morley worked at City College up until 2018, starting as a full time counselor in 1999 before working for the extended opportunity programs and services, EOPS, in 2010. Morley worked part time for EOPS before retiring, marking his services at City College for a total of 17 years. 

Morley received both his bachelors and masters degrees at Whitworth University from 1961 to 1965, majoring in business and counseling. He was born in Sacramento, and lived in Washington D.C. for four years. Morley later moved to Santa Barbara where he started his career.

Morley always wanted to do something different in his life, but was grateful for his time at City College, according to his retirees ceremony in 2018. Morley was well known for his contribution to the success of students as well as the positive changes he brought to the college.

“Dave will be dearly missed as he impacted the lives of thousands of students, and many SBCC colleagues as well.” Superintendent-President Erika Endrijonas said in an outgoing email to City College.

Morley was surrounded by many loved ones, including his three step daughters along with his stepson, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the last months of his life.

His family is planning funeral services for the next couple months, and are currently in the process of setting up a scholarship plan for EOPS students in Dave’s honor.

Morley was remembered for his caring smile, as well as his way to go the extra mile. Morley drove City College’s van to almost every EOPS event, with the trunk filled with decorations and banners, for any occasion, according to Endrijonas’ email.

“He drove the SBCC van to every EOPS and Counseling conference and could even be found driving the SBCC flatbed for countless CARE Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaways.” Endrijonas said in her email.

According to his colleagues, when it came to Morley in the office, he was always the first to be there, and the last to leave. Although he was a hard worker, Morley was quite the trickster; playing pranks and telling jokes while spreading smiles throughout the room.

In the beginning of 2011, Morley was the board chair of the YMCA youth and family services, and advocated for foster children with no place to live. Morley, as well as the Santa Barbara Housing Program, came up with the solution to turn Artisan Court into homes for foster kids. 

Former students of Morley have said he was a great mentor, providing help for any difficulties a student may have. He was eager for students to be able to have a fresh start and more importantly, a safe home life. He was seen as a role model, friend, and all around a wonderful human being.

Morley’s family is in the process of planning services for the next upcoming months. Once information is released, an email from Endrijonas will be sent out to City College.