Karl Fisher, 1960-2013
We are mourning the death of our dear colleague, art teacher, and friend Karl Fisher. This is a letter that Head of School Jane Moulding wrote to the broader CSW community this morning, February 21, 2013. A memorial in his family hometown of Rome, N.Y. is planned for April 6 and a memorial and celebration for Karl Fisher is currently being planning for sometime later in April. Please check www.csw.org, under "News" for further information and updates.
Dear CSW Community,
It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of our dear colleague, friend and teacher, Karl Fisher. Earlier this week, Karl suffered a massive stroke, from which he was unable to recover. He died with his family and others dear to him by his side.
Karl has been a member of our community for the past 15 years. He was an admired visual arts teacher, chair of the art department since 2003, and coach of a number of sports. He was instrumental in the creation and growth of the YUM Lab (“Youth Understanding Media”), which now houses 12 computers for multimedia art use. Known affectionately as “Mr. Karl,” he was loved for his sense of humor, his sharp mind, his kindness and thoughtfulness. One of the first to arrive in the art building early each morning, and often the last to leave at night, Karl’s energy and enthusiasm for progressive education was an inspiration to his students and colleagues, and his devotion to process and careful decision-making became his mantra at faculty meetings.
Karl’s passion for technology and digital media permeated the visual arts department and the school at large. He created programs that fused design with electronic and alternative applications; he helped other teachers in the design of classes and he introduced instruments, such as a 3-dimensional projector, that forged CSW’s growth as a 21st Century School. Many of our students and graduates credit Karl with their love for the arts, and their devotion to continuing to make art.
Sincerely,
Dear CSW Community,
It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of our dear colleague, friend and teacher, Karl Fisher. Earlier this week, Karl suffered a massive stroke, from which he was unable to recover. He died with his family and others dear to him by his side.
Karl has been a member of our community for the past 15 years. He was an admired visual arts teacher, chair of the art department since 2003, and coach of a number of sports. He was instrumental in the creation and growth of the YUM Lab (“Youth Understanding Media”), which now houses 12 computers for multimedia art use. Known affectionately as “Mr. Karl,” he was loved for his sense of humor, his sharp mind, his kindness and thoughtfulness. One of the first to arrive in the art building early each morning, and often the last to leave at night, Karl’s energy and enthusiasm for progressive education was an inspiration to his students and colleagues, and his devotion to process and careful decision-making became his mantra at faculty meetings.
Karl’s passion for technology and digital media permeated the visual arts department and the school at large. He created programs that fused design with electronic and alternative applications; he helped other teachers in the design of classes and he introduced instruments, such as a 3-dimensional projector, that forged CSW’s growth as a 21st Century School. Many of our students and graduates credit Karl with their love for the arts, and their devotion to continuing to make art.
This is an extremely difficult time for faculty, staff, and the many students and graduates who treasured Karl. We will all miss his vibrant and friendly presence on our campus. While is it hard to find solace in this inexplicable loss, I know that Karl planted many seeds for growth and change in our school, and only time will show us more about the shadow he has cast.
Sincerely,
Jane Moulding
Head of School
Head of School
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CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.