It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michel Saad, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Professor Saad passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends on January 16, 2020, after a long fought-medical journey. He will be fondly and lovingly remembered, having touched the lives of many students and colleagues during his time at SCU.

Professor Saad joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1959. During his tenure, he spent three terms as department chair (1963-1964, 1974-1975 and 1981-1984) and served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs from 1988 until 1990. In addition, he worked for four years for the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, implementing UNESCO’s activities in the field of science and technology in the Middle East and North Africa.

An avid researcher in combustion, fluid behavior under low gravity and energy systems, his work was sponsored by Lockheed, the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Ford Aerospace and NASA. His research has extensive international publication in the area of thermo-fluids sciences and resulted in two textbooks “Thermodynamics, Principles and Practice” and “Compressible Fluid Flow, 2nd Ed.” Professor Saad retired from the department in 2002 after 43 years of service.

Professor Saad is survived by his daughter Janine Barker, his granddaughter Rachel Barker, nieces Yvette Namek, Marie Saad, Mireille Zalapa and nephews George Saad, Aziz Saad, John Saad, and Peter Saad. 

Notes of condolence can be sent to the family, care of the Mechanical Engineering Department. 

A celebration of Professor Saad’s life will take place at St. George Coptic Church, 395 W. Rincon Ave, Campbell, CA 95008, at 10:30 am on January 30, 2020. The Funeral Service will follow at 12 noon at Gate of Heaven, Catholic Cemeteries, 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024, and a lunch reception will be held at Santa Clara University at the de Saisset Museum at 2:00pm.

Please keep Professor Saad and his family in your prayers. May he rest in peace. 

Sincerely,

Kevin F. O'Brien, S.J.
President