Timothy M. Tift

Lecturer SOE Emeritus
School of Education

March 1, 2013

Timothy M. Tift – “Coach T” – Honored by California Legislature

Timothy M. Tift, known throughout the School of Education as “Coach T,” has been honored by the California State Legislature with Member Resolution No. 641. The resolution was sponsored by the Honorable Tom Harman, 35th Senatorial District, and the Honorable Donald P. Wagner, 70th Assembly District.

As a Lecturer SOE (Security of Employment) with the School of Education, Mr. Tift taught undergraduate courses and served as faculty advisor of the undergraduate Minor in Educational Studies, coordinator of the then Department of Education Teaching Assistants (TA) Program, and coordinator of the Peer Assistance Program.

Text of California State Legislature Resolution No. 641

By the Honorable Tom Harman, 35th Senatorial District; and the Honorable Donald P. Wagner, 70th Assembly District; Relative to Commending

Timothy M. Tift

Whereas, Since 2004, Timothy M. Tift has served as a member of the Californians for Patient Care Board of Directors, and as he draws to a close his illustrious service to the Board, he is deserving of the highest commendations for his professional and civic leadership; and

Whereas, Possessing a Master of Arts degree in education administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education from Pepperdine University, Tim Tift has enjoyed a successful career in the field of education that spans more than 40 years; and

Whereas, Affiliated with the University of California (UC), Irvine, since 1967, Tim Tift has brought credit and distinction to himself as a Lecturer School of Education Emeritus with the Department of Education, Faculty Advisor of the Undergraduate Minor in Educational Studies, Coordinator of the Department of Education Teaching Assistants Program, Coordinator of the Department of Education Peer Assistance Program, and Instructor for the UC Irvine Department of Recreation Deep Water Fitness; and

Whereas, Affectionately known as “Coach T” by students, friends, and colleagues at UC Irvine, Tim Tift was inducted into the UC Irvine Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and received the coveted UNEX Distinguished Faculty Award in 1998; and

Whereas, During his long and distinguished career at UC Irvine, Tim Tift has shared his expertise and wise counsel as Lecturer with the Department of Education (1995-2005); Interim Head Coach, Golf (1995-1996); Chair, Department of Physical Education (1989-1995); Associate Director, UC Irvine Athletics (1978-1984); Lecturer, Department of Physical Education (1967-1995); Head Coach, Basketball (1967-1980); and Head Coach, Golf (1967-1969); and

Whereas, Committed to making a difference in the lives of his students, Tim Tift authored and co-authored a number of works to help athletes, including the Deep Water Fitness Manual (2002), Advice for High School Athletes (1991, co-author), and The Passing Game, a basketball motion offense (1970); and

Whereas, As founding Board member of the Californians for Patient Care Board of Directors, Tim Tift has served on the Board with distinction since October 21, 2004, the year of the organization’s inception; he also served as Chair from November 24, 2004, to November 11, 2009, after which he was recognized as Immediate Past Chair, and has continued to serve the Board as Director until the end of his term in December 2012; and

Whereas, Having undergone several surgeries himself, including eye, knee replacement, foot, rotator cuff on both shoulders, colon, and back, Tim effectively advocates for California’s patients based on his “patient’s perspective”; and

Whereas, Californians for Patient Care has benefited from Tim Tift’s wisdom, experience, and guidance on advocacy and operational issues during his tenure, including the creation of the MyHealthResource.org online guide which connects more than 34,000 patients annually to safety net resources throughout the state; an

Whereas, With the completion of his term as Director, the Californians for Patient Care Board of Directors bestows upon Tim Tift the status of Board Member Emeritus, and as he embarks onto his well-earned retirement, he is bid a fond farewell and a heartfelt thank you for a job well-done; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by Senator Tom Harman and Assembly Member Donald P. Wagner, That they join the Californians for Patient Care Board of Directors in commending Timothy M. Tift for his dedication to ensure that uninsured and underserved people of California have access to high-quality, affordable health care, and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

Joint Member Resolution No. 641
Dated this 15th day of October, 2012.

Honorable Tom Harman
35th Senatorial District

Honorable Donald P. Wagner
70th Assembly District

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