La Sierra University mourns passing of Dr. George Ogum

  School of Business  

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- The La Sierra University campus is deeply saddened to share the news of the sudden passing of Dr. George Ogum, associate professor of finance at the Zapara School of Business, on Sunday morning, August 5, 2018. Dr. Ogum suffered a massive heart attack. He was 70 years old.

<p>Dr. George Ogum, associate professor of finance in La Sierra University's Zapara School of Business passed away August 5, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

Dr. George Ogum, associate professor of finance in La Sierra University's Zapara School of Business passed away August 5, 2018. 

George Ougo Ogum was the first-born of nine children, born to Daniel and Naomi Ogum, in Kendu Bay, Kenya, on August 21, 1947. Raised in Kenya, he earned his BA in political science and history from the University of Nairobi, in Nairobi, Kenya, followed by an MA in economics and accounting from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in finance and applied economics from the University of Memphis in 1990.

Dr. Ogum joined the La Sierra University family in 1997, serving since that time as associate professor of finance in the Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business. He also previously served as associate professor of finance at Oakwood College (now University) in Huntsville, Alabama; and before that was assistant professor of finance at Virginia State University and Liberty University, as well as lecturer in economics and finance at the University of Memphis.

A scholar of finance, Professor Ogum maintained a consistent interest in Africa’s developing financial markets. He published multiple articles relating to these markets in scholarly journals and participated regularly in scholarly conferences at which they were discussed. Throughout his academic career he received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding teaching and research.

Dr. Ogum is survived by his wife, Mical Ougo; his six children: Caroline Lisk, Dr. Evelyn Diop, Rebecca Ougo, Jackie Ougo, Javan Ougo, and George Ogum, Jr.; nine grandchildren; as well as five siblings, and his mother, Naomi Ogum.

Dr. Ogum will be remembered for his deep caring spirit for his students and others, his gentle demeanor, and his knowing smile.

“Professor Ogum demonstrated the ability to model for all of us a dynamic, enthusiastic engagement with his discipline and with his students. His wry wit and his sense of style enriched the culture of the Zapara school,” said Dean John Thomas. “He will be greatly missed.”

A viewing was held Friday, Aug. 17 at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary in Riverside, and a Celebration of Life service was held Saturday, Aug. 18 at La Sierra University Church in Riverside. 

← Back