Spring Break
In Memoriam: Brian L. Wagner
Jason Hand
Issue date: 7/22/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Brian L. Wagner, Associate Professor and Interim Head of Visual Studies, died early last Friday at his home in Chestnut Hill.
Wagner graduated from Philadelphia College of Art in 1969 and then proceeded to the University of Pennsylvania where he earned an MFA in painting in 1971. He was then hired by Drexel as a full-time faculty affiliate in 1987.
A talented artist whose vision altered and brought objects to life in astonishing assemblages, Wagner was creative in a variety of media.
His most noteworthy accomplishment was the conversion of over 5000 broomsticks into architecturally scaled edifices.
An installation of "5000 Sticks" was placed in the Pearlsteing Gallery located at Nesbitt Hall this past spring as part of a exposition of his work, entitled "Accumulations."
In 2002, Wagner received a University Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a Senior Faculty.
He was a leader in University-wide efforts to cha.m.pion and encourage teaching excellence, was active in various activities for the Faculty Senate where he served as chair of Faculty Affairs and co-chair of Faculty Develop.m.ent, and na.m.ed interim head of the Department of Visual Studies in 2003.
Wagner was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2004 and took sabbatical leave.
During that time, he worked on numerous innovative projects and underwent therapy. He returned full-time to his teaching and administrative duties in the spring term 2005.
Wagner's death ca.m.e unexpectedly to all who watched him recoil from treatment and continue an extensive array of endeavors.
Wagner is survived by his mother Sarah, his brother Gary, and numerous fellow faculty, friends and students.
A memorial service was held July 19. Those in attendance shared fond memories of Wagner's warmth, humor, dedication to teaching and passion for collecting.
Contributions may be sent to Drexel University for a fund that will be established in Wagner's memory.
Wagner graduated from Philadelphia College of Art in 1969 and then proceeded to the University of Pennsylvania where he earned an MFA in painting in 1971. He was then hired by Drexel as a full-time faculty affiliate in 1987.
A talented artist whose vision altered and brought objects to life in astonishing assemblages, Wagner was creative in a variety of media.
His most noteworthy accomplishment was the conversion of over 5000 broomsticks into architecturally scaled edifices.
An installation of "5000 Sticks" was placed in the Pearlsteing Gallery located at Nesbitt Hall this past spring as part of a exposition of his work, entitled "Accumulations."
In 2002, Wagner received a University Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a Senior Faculty.
He was a leader in University-wide efforts to cha.m.pion and encourage teaching excellence, was active in various activities for the Faculty Senate where he served as chair of Faculty Affairs and co-chair of Faculty Develop.m.ent, and na.m.ed interim head of the Department of Visual Studies in 2003.
Wagner was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2004 and took sabbatical leave.
During that time, he worked on numerous innovative projects and underwent therapy. He returned full-time to his teaching and administrative duties in the spring term 2005.
Wagner's death ca.m.e unexpectedly to all who watched him recoil from treatment and continue an extensive array of endeavors.
Wagner is survived by his mother Sarah, his brother Gary, and numerous fellow faculty, friends and students.
A memorial service was held July 19. Those in attendance shared fond memories of Wagner's warmth, humor, dedication to teaching and passion for collecting.
Contributions may be sent to Drexel University for a fund that will be established in Wagner's memory.
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