Don Fagan Remembered

Bruce Skilling ’82

I will always have very fond memories of Professor Fagan.He made a lasting impression on me which I know has immeasurably helped me over the years. While reading the DWC tribute I could actually hear and see Don as if I were back at DWC over 25 years ago. We don't meet many Don Fagan's as we make our journey through this world. I am certainly thankful to have know him and learned from one of the great masters. Thank you for putting it all in perspective.

Jason Pirie ’05

Don Fagan’s class is one of the very few I have ever taken where the lessons truly extend into the real world. Professor Fagan was more than a teacher to many of his students, he was a friend. His work let him touch the lives of so many people, and we have all become better people by the time spent in his presence. I am truly saddened that such a great person has been taken from us. Earth is a little duller, and Heaven a little brighter. Thanks for all the memories Don!! God Bless You!!

Brian J. Coons ’77

My first year at DWC or New England Aeronautical Institute, as it was known back then, was also Don's first year at the college. During his first few minutes which basically consisted of an introduction, he mentioned a statement which I have remembered many times during my years through adulthood. "I'm going to teach you what is required, based on the curriculum, you know, textbook stuff. Then I'm going to share with you my real life experiences based on some of that textbook stuff. Sometimes you can't always apply the things you learn in a book in the real world."

I don't think anyone could have said it better or not at least the way Professor Fagan could say it. He was a great teacher and a wonderful human being. God Bless you Professor Fagan, and remember, "Go Sox!"

Andrew Kwashnak '04

Prof. Fagan was always genuinely there for you.

I remember him being our biggest fan when the DWC Jazz band was playing at such high-end gigs like the Nashua Mall! His warm smile and joking around would lift us and encourage us even if we were not doing so well.

We typically found him wandering somewhere with his old, stained Styrofoam coffee cup in one hand, papers and such under his other arm, and Mr. Moon by his side.

You will be missed Prof Fagan, but not forgotten.

Mary Ellen Bersani ’01, former admissions staff

Mr. Fagan always had a smile and a bounce in his step. He connected with everyone. I am deeply saddened by his loss. On Saturday, I took a peek in Don's office and noticed a quote on his board -- "In life there are two currencies, experience in money. Take the experience first, the money will follow." I couldn't make out the rest of his white board, but I hope it is kept.

Don's family and the DWC community are in my thoughts and prayers.

Eric F. Fagan

My brother Don was always an indefatigable worker. Whatever had to be done, he did it. When he, our Dad, and I opened a Chicken Delight franchise in Arlington, MA, in the 60's, Don did the heavy lifting. That was after first going to school and caring for a family. Later he worked a full time job, and also handled a night shift 4-5 times a week cutting donuts, if you can believe it. He did frequent sampling to ensure quality; not many employees would be so inclined to help management. Finally in his mid-30's, he opted for teaching at Daniel Webster College. He loved it; DWC was a home away from home.

Never a man of subtlety, he told it like he saw it. And if he saw something he didn't like, he would say so. If he thought you had an idea right out of a cartoon, he would tell you. On the other hand, he shucked off criticism like a dog shakes water. He never worried about what others thought or said about him. He could have been the model for Dr. Wayne Dyer's best selling, "Pulling Your Own Strings." Don just plowed ahead in life, as an ocean liner breasts waves. Not that he was quite that size, of course.

Always an optimist, his medical problems never phased him; they were just part of life. Even when he got the last news that he only had a short while to live, he told me, "Now don't come back here trying heroics. When it's time, it's time."

He had great support, his wife of 30 years, Eileen and her sister Margie. They kept him on the beaten path; the three of them were like a three-person comedy team.

I miss him. He was a great guy, as the salutes from friends and student attest. One of a kind, his elan will remain permanently etched in my memory.

Aimee Matarese Fall 02- Spring 03
Aimee now attends New Jersey Institute of Technology and will graduate in May '07 with a B.A.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology

I only attended DWC for one year and only took Fagan's micro class. Even though I only knew him one semester, I still tell stories about him to people at the college I attend now. I remember how he had the hatred for New Jersey. DIRTY JERZEY and the smelly parts or what exit do you live at? Being in class with two other people from NJ, we sure felt the brunt of his hatred. I know I sure thought to myself at times "who is he to talk about it, he's probably never been there."

Yet no matter where you were from, Fagan ALWAYS had been there. And not just yeah yeah, I've been there, but as in Oh yeah! There's a CVS on Main Road. Across from a Dunkin' donuts.

And being his student it was the same way. Everybody is so different, yet NO MATTER WHAT, Fagan always found someway to identify with you. He found someway to relate what he was teaching to exactly something in your life. He was such great inspiration and motivation. I feel sorry, not because he passed on, but because the future DWC students will never get to experience him.

Marion Lacker, DWC staff, retired in 1995

I first met Don when he arrived at DWC in 1975 for an interview with the Academic Dean, for whom I was serving as secretary. His unique personality was immediately apparent as we visited while waiting for the Dean to see him. Several days later, I was instructed to call Don and invite him to take over a class immediately. He explained that he was up a ladder and painting a room, but “he could make it tomorrow.” During the 20 years that I worked at DWC, whenever Don introduced me to anyone he would announce, “This young lady hired me!”

Don was, indeed, an icon and during my years at DWC he was a strong contributor and supporter of every aspect of the growth of the College. He will be missed.

Steve "Stever" Raichelson, former faculty

As so many of you know, I had a very special friendship with Don Fagan ... my response to his death has been slow in coming because I have had some very mixed emotions as to how and what I wanted to express, and what I selfishly wanted to hang onto about Don for myself.

During my last couple of years teaching at DWC, Don and I managed to avoid being sent to the principal's office on several occasions by several very narrow margins. Many of those tales will never make it into print. At more than one school function, particularly at Graduations, we were encouraged to be on our best behavior. And when I left the school in 1999, Don was certainly very high on the people I missed the most.

He came to visit my wife and myself several times in the ensuing couple of years. Twice he and I took my boat and cruised to different parts of the Chesapeake Bay. Once in Baltimore Don fell asleep in the cockpit of the boat during a rain storm ... I tried to get him to come below and get out of the weather, but he insisted he was having a great time! Such was the man.

On one occasion we had to stop several times during a walk of less than a mile because Don was winded or uncomfortable, and each time when I offered to call a taxi, or get assistance he insisted he would be fine in a couple of minutes and he was having fun ... Such was the man.

Regardless of the weather conditions, of if he had to sit and read a book while I took care of some business-related mumbo jumbo, he always maintained that he was having a great time ... Such was the man.

He made a number of friends here in Annapolis who often have asked how he was doing and when he was coming back to visit.

Dons favorite topic of discussion was always our students and how well each was doing following their departures from the College. We shared an exceptional regard and pride in all of you.

I was fortunate to speak with him just a day or two before he passed. Even in his weakened state his first questions were about how everyone was doing down here.

With his passing I was filled with a monumental sense of loss. We had the kind of friendship that didn't require talking or seeing each other every day. We just knew that we were friends, buds, "partners in crime" or what-have-you.

I know that Don is gone now. But I take pride in having had him as a friend, and I know that he will live on in my mind, and in my heart ... Such was the man.

Sheryl Ayre ’02

I would like to add a few words on DWC's website about Professor Fagan.

To say Professor Fagan was a Daniel Webster legend would be an understatement. I had heard about him as a freshman and made an effort, like so many other students (I'm sure), to have him for at least one class. He was funny, endearing and encouraging.

I will always remember him as being our #1 cheerleader for our girls soccer team. Although we might not have had the greatest winning record, he was always there cheering us on.

I am so grateful that our paths crossed. his love of life was inspiring and contagious.

Mike Walker '83

First and foremost my deepest condolences to the Fagan family. Don was one of a kind and deeply loved by all of us, his students.

Professor Fagan was the true embodiment of what a college professor should always be. Of course he was extremely well versed in his field, but he delivered the message with aplomb equaled by none. Economics is, at best, the driest topic known to mankind. Like he said one time, "The only excited economist you'll see is a bipolar one." He made the topics interesting and knew instinctively when to lighten it up a bit. My personal favorite was the continuing stories of his "Aunt Sponge," the aunt who mooched from the entire family. It got to where John Misiuk and I would bring a small applause-generator to class just to give him some encouragement (as if that was even necessary!).

My favorite memory of Don was his dedication to his students. His door was always open, and he always had time for us. He never turned his back on his "kids." He would meet us in his office with that big smile and say, "Sit down, let's talk about it." I've seen other professors in other schools where they barely give a kid the time of day outside of the classroom. It was never the case at DWC and absolutely never the case with Professor Fagan. He held us to high standards, but he always made sure we were properly instructed.

He was one of what I've always called the "Holy Trinity" of college professors. Sue Nicosia, Dr. Norman Thurston, and Don Fagan will always be my academic heroes. They are the standards by which I measure all other educators. Their standards were extremely high, but not as high as their compassion for the students of DWC.

Via con dios Don. It is time to rest old friend. The beer is on me next time we meet.

Rick Young '78

I opened my Omnibus late tonight to see the sad news of one of DWC's finest institutions being eulogized. I was shocked to learn of Professor Fagan's passing in April. I went right to the web page and saw the many great stories and comments about him.

I guess the best statement about him is that the mark left on me was to go right to this page and send my condolences to his family and remember him with a smile. Not to mention a stogie and a beer, all about the Chalet pool table, where we frequently talked him into having class. True to form he taught us there, just as if it were any other classroom. When my son tried his one year at DWC in 2002, I was glad to see Don, as it turns out one last time, and I was impressed to find that he knew not just my name, but too many details of my time at DWC. I knew then that my son would be in good hands.

Thanks Don Fagan and to your family my deepest sympathy.