Chemistry professor dies, leaves behind adoring students

Chemistry professor, father, and husband, Mark Tsang passed away last month leaving behind a legacy of impactful teaching skills and a lasting impact on students and alumni alike.

While, to the general student body, he was known as a science professor, he was known as more than that by his students. Tsang not only touched the lives of his current students but past students as well, gracing them with his humor and knowledge.

“Dr. Tsang was an amazing professor, had a great sense of humor and always reminded his students of the smallest details. He always led a devoted life to God, his family and wife,” alumna Dulce Campos said.

Although he was stern in the classroom as a professor and ensured that labs were safe for his students, Tsang’s humor will be missed by many, as his sarcastic humor made labs less intense and enjoyable, according to sophomore Hady Ruiz.

“He has impacted my life by showing me how to be responsible for a lab and just set a pathway towards preparing for any future lab,” Ruiz said.

Never cancelling a day of class up until the week of his passing, Tsang was passionate professor.

Born in Taiwan, he received his degree in Chemical Engineering. He was an advocate of higher education, later earning a PhD. from the University of Chicago and working with companies such as GE, Chevron, and Goodrich.

Most recently, he was employed at the LA County Assessor’s office as a project lead. But, according to friend and colleague Dr. Tara Sirvant, he loved teaching. He has taught at Vanguard for 10 years and has impacted nearly a thousand students in General Chemistry.

Aside from his avid enjoyment of teaching and k-pop, Tsang enjoyed eating in the Café with his students before class, exclaiming that the food was the best buffet he’s ever had. He even brought friends and family to eat there, according to Sirvant.

“He always had a smile and always enjoyed interacting with students. He said they kept him young,” Sirvant said.

Dr. Tsang touched the lives of many students in the Science Department and his legacy as an honorable Chemistry professor will live on in the hearts of his students. He leaves behind his family and wife.