Allen M. Zeltzer, professor emeritus of theatre, died Feb. 10. He was 100.
Zeltzer served in the Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945, and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant.
He began his teaching career at Cal State Fullerton — then called Orange State College — in 1963. Besides his teaching duties, Zeltzer served as director of the Instructional Media Center and was recognized for his expertise in the areas or oral interpretation and television in the theatre department, as noted by then-president Jewel Plummer Cobb in his emeritus appointment. He was also a gifted actor and participated in many campus productions.
Known as the “Pedaling Professor” for his love of bike riding, Zeltzer also led 15 bicycle tours of Europe.
The theater professor, who received his B.A., M.A. and doctorate from Wayne State University in Michigan, was granted emeritus status in 1986 and retired in 1991. After his retirement, he started a theatrical group in his community, launched regular Readers Theater productions at the Mission Viejo library and continued to travel, often as a lecturer on educational tours.
Zeltzer married his wife, Marion Andelson ’76 (B.A. art), in 1943. She died in 2011. He is survived by his partner, Barbara Boronkay; his children, Jeffrey, Linda and Nancy; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family and friends who would like to make a gift in Zeltzer’s name can support Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts. Donations may be made by credit card by contacting Ann Steichen, associate director of development, at 657-278-7124 or asteichen@fullerton.edu.
Gifts made by check can be made payable to “C.S.F.P.F.” (Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation), with a note or Allen Zeltzer’s name written in the memo line, and mailed to:
C.S.F.P.F.
ATTN: Ann Steichen, College of the Arts
2600 Nutwood Ave. Suite 830
Fullerton, CA 92832