Santa Rosa Junior College making counselors available after professor's kayaking death

Santa Rosa Junior College officials are urging students and faculty members to seek help if they need emotional support in the wake of the death Wednesday of beloved life sciences professor Nick Anast.

Counseling staff from the student psychological services program will address students in Anast’s current classes when they return to campus from spring break Monday and Tuesday, campus spokeswoman Ellen Maremont Silver said. But former and other students may want to arrange for counseling by calling the psychological services program at 527-4445.

Those having a mental health crisis who need attention before school resumes next week can call Sonoma County Mental Health Emergency Services at 576-8181.

SRJC faculty and staff can obtain support through the 24-hour employee assistance program at 800-999-7222.

An anatomy, biology and physiology instructor at SRJC for 10 years, Anast, 55, died Wednesday afternoon in a kayaking accident on Tomales Bay, provoking an outpouring of grief that has highlighted what students and colleagues say was his special gift for inspiring and connecting with people.

Many of those reminiscing about his warmth, patience and curiosity have recalled him, too, as a profound life influence.

“He had so much more to give to the community,” one former student said. “And, unfortunately, we’ve lost that.”

Though not on campus this week, scores of students have been using Facebook and other online venues to grieve, and some are planning a gathering and bonfire Saturday on Limontaur Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore, as well.

Silver said the junior college will hold a campus memorial service at some point, but it has not yet been scheduled.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.