George Hess

Dear LMU Community:

I am saddened to share that George Hess, emeritus professor of management, passed away on Oct. 22, 2023, after a brief illness. He was 89 years old.

Professor Hess joined LMU in August 1975. During his impactful 42-year tenure, he not only contributed significantly to shaping the LMU of today by organizing study abroad trips, helping restructure the LMU College of Business Administration curriculum, and playing a pivotal role in the design of the Conrad N. Hilton Center for Business, Professor Hess also influenced generations of students through his teaching. He noted that the highlight of his career was teaching his strategic management course. Professor Hess retired from the university in 2017.

Professor Hess, who served as a U.S. Army reserve officer and worked at General Electric, found his calling in teaching while instructing management courses at Indiana University. He later earned his Ph.D. in management in 1974 at Arizona State University.

A viewing and vigil will be held on Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. A funeral Mass followed by a Celebration of Life will be at the same location on Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. Burial services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Professor Hess’ name to Share Ourselves, Orange County or Helping Hands, Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

Please keep George, his nine children (four of whom are LMU alumni), former students, colleagues, and his friends in your thoughts and prayers.