Lori Phelps, full-time lecturer in human services, died Sept. 15. She was 62.
Phelps joined the Titan faculty in 1999 and served for 18 years. Her passion for helping individuals afflicted with addictive disorders led her to develop the Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention track in the Human Services Department. She also founded the University’s Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention Student Association.
The educator served a two-year term as president of the California Association of Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE) before assuming the executive director position in 2008. Her work at CAADE focused on advancing public policy that ensures quality treatment for people addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Phelps earned her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from Loyola Marymount University; her master’s and doctorate degrees in psychology from United States International University.
She is survived by her husband, John; brother, Buzz; and parents. A celebration of her life is planned on Saturday, Oct. 7, in San Juan Capistrano.