Hilton Bialek (1926-2002)

Hilt saw public schools as a promise that we, as a nation, make to our children and ourselves. It was with this conviction that he became a long-time and generous friend of the Carmel Unified School District. This partnership lasted for close to forty years, until shortly before his death in March 2002. His imprint on our community will be profound and lasting.

His talents and interests impelled Hilt to active involvement in education. Hilt became a research psychologist with a lifelong professional interest in how people learn. His clear-headedness, humor, heart and his ability to cut to the chase endeared him to those in the CUSD who knew him and worked with him over the years. When people sought out Hilt's opinions and guidance, they knew they would receive a clear, insightful and frank response. Everyone loved his humor.

Hilt's greatest love was his involvement in the Carmel Schools. Whatever his role, he helped bring out the best in his partners, and Carmel students were his ultimate beneficiaries. Those who knew him can probably hear Hilt's voice responding today in the dedication of this grand Hilton Bialek Habitat: "Yes, this is how education should work!"

Written by Ken and Barbara Weingarten on the occasion of the dedication of the Hilton Bialek Habitat. May 17th, 2003