The promise of helping to guide San Diego State University through a new era of growth – both in enrollment and national prestige – attracted Daniel B. Nowak to Montezuma Mesa three decades ago.

As the school continued to evolve from a modest teachers college, Dr. Nowak introduced awards to honor students who overcame hardships and added a personal dimension to his administrative tasks.

"He taught us, as students, to fight for our beliefs, be honest, stay committed, invest in our education, and give back," said Kathy Drucquer Duff, a former student leader who became SDSU's assistant vice president of university advancement.

Dr. Nowak, who retired in June 2000 as SDSU's dean of student affairs, died Jan. 27 at his home in Rancho San Diego. He was 68.

The cause of death was esophageal cancer, which was diagnosed in June 2003, said his wife, Barbara.

Before being hired in 1973 as SDSU's dean of student affairs, Dr. Nowak had been dean of men at the University of Southern California. Faced with a lengthy commute from east Whittier to the downtown Los Angeles campus, he liked the idea of living in a less congested urban environment, his wife said.

Dr. Nowak embraced then-SDSU President Brage Golding's growth agenda and took on responsibilities ranging from admission, student scholarships and student government to health services, fraternities and sororities.

"He taught us to be passionate about SDSU because, as a role model, he was passionate about SDSU," Duff said. "He had more integrity than anyone I've ever met."

In 1986, Dr. Nowak led an investigation into charges of physical and sexual abuse involving Pi Kappa Alpha, a campus fraternity. The investigation resulted in expulsion of the fraternity. It was among a range of issues Dr. Nowak had to deal with at SDSU as student enrollment mushroomed.

When student activists condemned the administration for what they labeled a "pay more, get less" budget syndrome in 1993, Dr. Nowak vetoed their request for release of students' home addresses. The activists had sought the addresses for a massive mailing campaign designed to solicit student support.

One of Dr. Nowak's most enduring legacies at SDSU was the Quest for the Best Vice Presidential Student Service Award. The award is annually presented to 10 students, many of whom have have overcome personal and financial hurdles.

Dr. Nowak was born and raised in Detroit. As a youth he attended Henry Ford Trade School, studying academic subjects in the morning hours and serving a Ford Motor Co. apprenticeship in the afternoon.

He served in the Air Force Reserve and received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. In his senior year, he left the academy to finish work for a bachelor's degree in mathematics at Eastern Michigan University.

Dr. Nowak went on to earn a master's at Eastern Michigan and a doctorate at UCLA, where he met his wife. They were married in 1963, when Dr. Nowak was serving as a residence hall supervisor while finishing his studies.

For two years, he served as dean of men at Stanford University. Then he accepted a similar post at USC.

"The opportunity to be part of a growing campus at San Diego State appealed to him," said his wife, a fellow educator who retired last year as principal at Monte Vista High School. "He was an advocate for students at SDSU, and a mentor to many entering the field of administration."

One of his toughest challenges was trying to maintain the highest educational standards and level of service to students while faced with mounting budget constraints, his wife said.

"Dan was the backbone of the division of student affairs," said Kathie Ross, retired scholarship director at SDSU. "He wanted people within the division to focus on enriching the lives of students. He fostered a feeling of family among those who worked hard and reported directly to him. It was an honor to be part of his team."

In April 2001, Dr. Nowak received a Distinguished Service Award from the SDSU Alumni Association.

He served for many years on the education committee of the San Diego Zoological Society. In retirement, he played golf at least three times a week, teeing off at Singing Hills Country Club as early as the break of dawn.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, Dr. Nowak is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Nowak of El Cajon; a son, Michael Nowak of El Cajon; and a sister, Tina Roth of Ypsilanti, Mich.