Joy Tlou, the director of public relations at Salt Lake Community College, died suddenly this past weekend. Tlou worked at SLCC for nearly 30 years and interfaced with all of the divisions and departments at the college.
“Joy’s reach across the college was positive and profound,” said SLCC President Deneece Huftalin in an email on Monday. “He was deeply committed to the institution and loved to talk about our students’ stories and triumphs. He was constantly looking for ways to promote SLCC as a special place that could help anyone find success. Joy was gifted in ceramics and in the culinary arts. He was also an extraordinary and successful musician and was renowned on the local, regional and national music scenes.”
In 2019, the email noted, Tlou released an album as part of the band, Joy & Eric, and he regularly performed at local at clubs, festivals and community events.
“On behalf of the entire SLCC community, we extend our condolences and support to Joy’s family, friends, and close colleagues,” Huftalin said in the email. “It’s times like this that we are reminded to always hold those who are dear to us close and create memories built on a well-lived life supported by kindness and love.”
Marcie Young Cancio, assistant professor of journalism and digital media, said she often connected with Tlou as faculty adviser at The Globe.
“As a journalism instructor, Joy was always great to work with,” she said. “Friendly and kind, he was a great resource for student reporters trying to meet deadlines and helped them learn what goes into building relationships with public relations pros. He’ll be missed immensely by the college community.”
The community will celebrate Tlou’s life in a memorial that will run from 4-8 p.m. on Friday at City Park in Park City.
This story has been updated.
