header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
November 9
1898 - Actress Winifred Westover born in Oakland; estranged wife of William S. Hart & mother of his son. [story]
Winifred Westover


California Institute of the Arts has announced the death of Robert J. Fitzpatrick, 84, (1940-2024), CalArt’s second president, who died on Sept. 30.

CalArts President Ravi Rajan informed the CalArts community of Fitzpatrick’s death in an email sent to faculty, staff, students and alumni;

“His time with us leaves a legacy that not only helped shape CalArts as we know it, but also the cultural landscape of cities including Los Angeles, Paris, New York, Chicago and beyond.

The last time Bob was on campus, at CalArts’ 50th anniversary celebration last year, he talked about receiving a piece of advice within hours of arriving at CalArts to assume the presidency.

‘Trust artists,’ he was told. ‘Let them fail intelligently, and learn, and take risks. Give them the courage to try and to fail.’

He told me that piece of advice. to trust artists and to allow them to take risks, try, and fail without fear. changed his entire approach to his CalArts presidency and his life after. It also set the tone for CalArts from that point forward,” wrote Rajan in the email.

Fitzpatrick, a professor of medieval French literature and dean of students at Johns Hopkins University, was named president of CalArts in 1975 after the departure of first President Robert Corrigan and Provost Herbert Blau.

It was during his tenure that the CalArts Character Animation program blossomed and the famed CalArts Jazz Program was founded in 1983 by bassist Charlie Haden, of Ornette Coleman Quartet fame and pianist David Roitstein.

In advance of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Fitzpatrick was charged with overseeing the Los Angeles Olympic Arts Festival. The festival featured some 400 experimental and interdisciplinary performances from around the globe, as well as a number of CalArts students, faculty and alumni.

The festival is remembered as a landmark in the cultural history of the city of Los Angeles, introducing Los Angeles to international arts communities, in many cases via CalArts.

Fitzpatrick left CalArts in 1987, hired by Disney to lead the new theme park Euro Disney in Paris.

As recently as CalArts’ 50th anniversary celebration in April 2023,
Fitzpatrick returned to campus in April 2023 to take part in the weekend festivities celebrating the 50th anniversary of CalArts. The Alumnx Council honored him by bestowing Fitzpatrick with the Honorary Alumnx Award, given to non-alumni whose deeds and actions had a positive impact on the CalArts experience for students and alums.

“The profound impact that Bob Fitzpatrick had on CalArts during a pivotal time in its history cannot be overstated. His dedication was instrumental in the institution’s survival and growth, leaving a legacy that will endure in CalArts lore forever,” said CalArts Trustee Dave Bossert, who served as the 50th Anniversary Reunion Committee chair. “We are deeply honored that we were able to recognize his contributions with the Honorary Alumni Award. Although his passing is a great loss to our community, his visionary leadership will always be remembered.”

During the 50th anniversary weekend, Fitzpatrick also participated in a panel discussion with alum Carey Lovelace (Music BFA 1975) and Rajan that looked back at CalArts’ five decades of existence.

Many stories were recounted during the conversation. Fitzpatrick remembered the administrative upheaval during CalArts’ early days, particularly the tension between maintaining an institution and pushing artistic boundaries. CalArts was not financially stable and was on the brink of closing multiple times. He also recalled nonacademic hijinks, such as swimming at CalArts’ pool one day and then having his clothes stolen by students. The two students showed up at the reunion panel and confessed nearly 40 years later.

The stories of Fitzpatrick’s time at CalArts are legendary. During the 1980 graduation ceremony, one graduate pretended to cut off his own hand, which resulted in fake blood spurting onto Fitzpatrick’s suit. The student then got picked up by a helicopter and was flown away. Later, during the same ceremony, Fitzpatrick took to the air himself, piloting his own hot air balloon. However, he failed to make arrangements for his return to campus after he landed. He tried hitchhiking but no one would pick him up because he was drenched in fake blood.

Fitzpatrick leaves behind his wife Sylvie and children Joel, Michael and Claire.

A CalArts memorial is being planned for the future.

To share remembrances of Bob Fitzpatrick, email communications@calarts.edu.

View the video from the 50th anniversary weekend here.

Ravi Rajan and Bob Fitzpatrick at CalArts’ 50th Anniversary Weekend. | Photo: CalArts

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


HIGHER EDUCATION LINKS
LOCAL COLLEGE HEADLINES
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
College of the Canyons professors Katie Coleman and Mehgen Andrade will deliver the scholarly presentation “Behind Bars: Forfeiting our Children” 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
California State University, Northridge’s CSUN-al Gardening series returns this month just in time to prepare for fall planting.
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
For the fourth year in a row, California State University, Northridge has been named a Fulbright HSI Leader by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024
The Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry has announced a newly-formed partnership with California Institute of the Arts and its Basic Needs Center.
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024
For the fourth consecutive time, the College of the Canyons Contracts, Procurement and Risk Management department received a 2024 Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Procurement Institute, Inc.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1898 - Actress Winifred Westover born in Oakland; estranged wife of William S. Hart & mother of his son. [story]
Winifred Westover
Unofficial election results for the 2024 General Election as of Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
UPDATE: Local Election Results as of Friday Evening
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Nov. 12: Saugus Speedway Project, Garbage Fees, on City Council Agenda
Want to make a difference in your community? Gather your friends and family for a rewarding day of giving back at the city of Santa Clarita’s Community Beautification Day in Saugus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon for this cleanup and beautification day.
Nov. 23: Community Beautification Day
The California Department of Transportation announced northbound overnight lane reductions on Interstate 5 from Lake Hughes Road to two miles north of Templin Highway, near the Whitaker Sand Shed, north of Castaic Wednesday night, Nov. 13 through Friday night, Nov. 15 for asphalt and concrete paving and box culvert construction.
Nov. 13-15: NB I-5 Lane Reductions Continue in Castaic Area
Step into a world of holiday fun! The city of Santa Clarita will partner with Metrolink to offer Santa Clarita residents a new, unique and festive activity this holiday season.
Dec. 15: Inaugural Metrolink Holiday Express Train
Each year the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with economist Dr. Mark Schniepp, releases the Economic Outlook Book.
2024 Economic Outlook Book Available From SCVEDC
College of the Canyons professors Katie Coleman and Mehgen Andrade will deliver the scholarly presentation “Behind Bars: Forfeiting our Children” 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Nov. 21: COC Scholarly Presentation Will Explore Juvenile Incarceration
1977 - Castaic residents vote 168-54 to withdraw 7th-8th grades from Hart District, making CUSD K-8 [story]
vote tally
The Child & Family Center has announced its Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event Monday, Dec. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Dec. 2: Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event
All For Kids is celebrating National Adoption Month by seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
Nov. 21: All For Kids Offering Virtual Orientations for National Adoption Month
Did you know that our local Santa Clarita Public Library offers passport acceptance services? Whether you’re planning a vacation, studying abroad or reconnecting with family, the Santa Clarita Public Library is here to support your journey.
Jason Gibbs | Get Your Passport at the Santa Clarita Public Library
Parents and caregivers are invited to Empowered Families Workshops hosted by the Child & Family Center’s Prevention and Outreach team in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church of Newhall beginning 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 with a workshop on Social Media and mental health.
Nov. 10: Child & Family Center, First Presbyterian Church Collab for Workshops
Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. has announced that it was awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration to add new services that will include substance use disorder treatment programs.
Samuel Dixon Awarded 1.1 Million Grant for SUD Program
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will host its annual holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church
Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique
The Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative has announced the "Bringing it Home" fundraiser, an exclusive wine and hors d'oeuvre event hosted by Salt Creek Grille, will be held Thursday, Nov. 21.
Nov. 21: Salt Creek Grille, Veteran Services Collaborative Host Fundraiser
The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages. The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.
USPS Announces Holiday Mailing, Shipping Dates
1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
American Theater
Due to projected power shutoffs related to the current wind advisory, the Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy location, will be closed for in-person services beginning 5 pm Wednesday
Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy Location Closes Due to Power Shutoffs
Beginning Wednesday, November 13, crews will begin the construction of median modifications, paving, grinding and overlay operations along portions of McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
Upcoming Lane Closures on McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road
The California Highway Patrol is proud to announce it received a $350,000 grant to address the growing issue of distracted driving on California roads.  
CHP Receives Grant to Combat Adult Distracted Driving in California
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has once again recognized the city of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000).
City of Santa Clarita Named 2024 Most Business-Friendly City Finalist
The County of Los Angeles is experiencing critical fire weather and is under a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag advisory from now until Friday evening. .
Animal Care and Control Urges Emergency Pet Preparedness
SCVNews.com