Don Fagan Remembered
Page 7
Page 1
| Page 2 | Page
3 | Page 4 | Page
5 | Page 6 |
Page 8
Linda (Giovine) Lindsay ’86
It is with terribly great sadness
that I internalize the news about Don ... Mr. Fagan. I was never a
student in Mr. Fagan's class but in my career as a student, Mr. Fagan is
one of very few profs that made an impact on me.
I am a professor of accounting now
and I truly can say that much of my teaching philosophy and the way I
interact with students has deep roots in the mentoring of Mr. Fagan. He
was always himself ... in the classroom, in the hallways, at DWC
functions, and even at his home ... where he generously hosted
students. I can only hope that in all of the classes I teach and with
all of the students that I am in contact with (and have been for the
last 15 years), I can have the impact on one of them that Mr. Don Fagan
had on all of us.
Captain Thomas A. Moquin,
NEAI ’80
Don was my co-pilot to the
Oshkosh Fly-in numerous times. I couldn't have had a better friend
or crew member on these trips. Not only was he fun to fly with, but
Don could walk into any crowd and talk to anyone. We had more fun
walking around little airports than you could ever imagine.
He always gave his heart to you,
there was never a truer friend then Don. I still wake up in the
middle of the night worried I not prepared for one of his
test (that's 30 year later). But looking back, there was never I
reason to worry, Don was a great teacher. He was going to teach you
everything you needed to know, and along the way he would teach you
more about life than books could ever express. I've never met anyone
with a more positive attitude. He's gone now, but not lost forever.
We will meet him again, at a better place in a future time. But
until then let me say ...
Don, I love and admire you very
much. Thank you for being my friend. I can't think of anything I'm
more proud of.
Christina Carico
Former DWC staff member
It's a very sad loss, but boy, what a way he lived. Don Fagan
touched everyone he met; his legacy and spirit will live on for
generations, from the paper boy whose tip money he invested, to
the college seniors whom he role modeled for.
Seth Simonian ‘07
The first class of my freshman year was macroeconomics and
Professor Fagan was such an enthusiastic teacher in the essence
of how he taught the information, that every time he went into
story mode everyone in the class would stop what they were doing
and listen. He knew how to make everyone laugh and could always
turn every negative situation into something positive.
Throughout my three years at Daniel Webster, I have had an
opportunity to talk to professor Fagan countless times and the
conversation would always start out with “Hey Seth, you thinking
about leaving California and cheering for a real team.” No
matter what you went in to talk to him about, the conversation
would always last until we would realize we were late for
something.
Every class that he taught and every lesson was all about
bettering the students; he was teaching us about how to buy a
car or how to buy our first home or how to interview for that
first job. He was always preparing us for life after college.
Professor Fagan was a fantastic teacher and friend to all of the
students and I am grateful that I was able to for only a brief
time get to know and cherish one of the best men I have ever
met. I will miss just walking by your office before classes and
after and striking up the conversations about everything that
seemed meaningless but always ended up being the opposite. You
were a great mentor and friend to us all.
Thank you Professor Fagan for all the advise, memories, and
stories.
Barbara Eshoo
Former staff member
The recurring thought I have is that Don Fagan is someone who
undoubtedly made a real difference in this world. He
influenced so many lives for the better; and, in doing so,
inspired those he helped to do the same.
Erik Phillips ’88
My brother and I spent many hours with Keith and Don during
the 80's (first in classes, then later, whenever we could
sneak away from the Flight Center to their office).
Jeff Schutes NEAI ’76
Just a short note and
acknowledgment of my deep sadness of Professor Fagan's
untimely passing. As a graduate of NEAI in 1976 I had the
privilege of having Don as a professor in his very early days
at DWC. I was struggling to get through my early days of
college, NEAI and Don Fagan provided me an opportunity to
launch my business career that I would never have had if it
was not for Don's love of his students. Even in those early
days of Don's career at DWC, he was a great mentor and
provided me many hours of encouragement and insight into
sports, business and most importantly, life. I moved on from
NEAI, graduated from Purdue University and have had a very
successful career in the business world, much of which I
credit to my early days at NEAI and Don Fagan. He showed us
all how to be successful while having fun and enjoying life.
David Hackney ’88
I can tell you as you probably already know that Mr. Fagan was
a great teacher. My first memory of Mr. Fagan: he asked
everyone in the class to tell a little something about
themselves, i.e., where they're from, etc. Well I told him
proudly that I was from New Jersey. I think that was the last
time that I felt proud to be from there. He proceeded to ask
which exit? That was the first time I had ever been asked that
question, and I stated proudly Exit 5. Mr Fagan went on to
explain how New Jersey was the armpit of the nation. He had an
incredible way to make you feel comfortable even though he was
ripping the only place you ever knew. I have lived here 22
years now and every time I return to New Jersey to visit my
family, I think of him. I often ask my family members how they
can possibly stand to live here.
The other story that sticks out in my mind. Mr. Fagan joked
that his wife wanted to move to a different house. He told us
that he was OK with moving but he was not interested in
helping. Not only not interested in helping move, but he was
not even interested in helping find a new house. He would joke
that his wife should just give him a letter advising him where
his new address will be when he gets home from work.The funny
thing is, I think he was totally serious.I loved the man, and
will never forget him. He lives forever in many of us.
Jon Collette '97
Professor Fagan was one of
the first DWC faculty members I met while looking at
colleges my senior year in high school. He was outgoing and
friendly, making a great sales pitch for DWC. Once accepted
into DWC, I made sure that I signed up for Principles
of Business Management and Macroeconomics with Mr. Fagan for
my first semester.
The first day of class, he
went around the room and asked us where we were from — he
amazingly seemed to have been everywhere and knew obscure
little facts that only "locals" know. Fast forward to an
alumni event about two years ago. We were talking and I told
him that I was now living in the Tampa area. Once again, he
had been there too — to watch the Red Sox, of course.
One thing I remember from
Principles of Business Management happened while we were
discussing all the management "fads" of the 60s, 70s and
80s such as TQM and MBO. He reminded us that management was
more of an art than a science and that there was no real
"secret" to it.
Even now, as I've
sat through many training sessions with various employers
touting the latest management scheme, his reminder
has stayed with me. Of course, one of the latest ideas I've
encountered in the workplace is situational management, or
that you manage differently based on the situation. And you
paid a consultant how much to think that up?! Don Fagan
taught me that in my first semester of my freshman year :).
The other thing that was
great about Principles of Business Management with Fagan was
that he didn't mind if you brought coffee to class — since
it was 8 AM, that was a beautiful thing. He used to also
joke that if his coffee ran out, class was over. One time,
in the middle of a lecture he stopped, said his coffee ran
out and sent us home :).
We will miss Don and I am
grateful that I got to attend DWC while he was there. My
prayers and condolences are with his family and the extended
DWC family for this loss.
Denis Tanguay ’86
When I received the
notice of the retirement party for Don Fagan a few weeks
ago, I was pleased to see that his work and life were
being celebrated. Of all the wonderful teachers that I had
at DWC, I think Don Fagan left the most lasting
impression with me. I was very saddened to hear the news
of his passing. As a freshman, moving out state and taking
what seemed like a huge plunge at the time into the world
of academia, Don Fagan's teaching style made it all seem
less impossible. Don had the ability to pack a lot of
learning into his classes while making them down to earth
and fun at the same time. His teachings have allowed me to
be come successful in work and in life. As I have watched
DWC grow over the years, it was very pleasing to see that
Don continued to be part of it all.
Don, we will miss you!
Kevin
J. Brown ’09
This
being my first year at DWC, I know I was lucky to have
Prof. Fagan my first semester! Every Tuesday and
Thursday morning from 8:00 until 9:20 I was learning
Faganomics! It was the most fun class I had ever had!
Always laughing, yet learning at the same time! My
favorite memory came in only the 3rd or 4th week
there. It was Tuesday morning at about 9:05, the usual
time he let us leave ( so much for 9:20) and he said "
No class on Thursday." We asked why and he simply
said, " Cause I don't want to be here any more than
you." I, along with the rest of the class soon
realized we would all get along very well that
semester
Thank you Prof. Fagan. You will be missed. God Bless.
Jo Ann Bertrand
’79
As a recent alumni
of the DWC MBA Program, I was one who also enjoyed
having Mr. Fagan as an undergraduate professor some
26 years ago, the year before Ms. McCarthy became
President.
Judah Mahekeya ’01
Much that has
already been said about Professor Fagan is true
and overwhelming. I feel DWC has lost a very
solid pillar of social and educational
experience.
As a transfer
student I was acquainted with professor Fagan
for two years. I tremendously cherish those
years and will certainly miss his passing. May
he rest in peace.
A letter sent to Mr. Fagan the morning of
April 11, 2006
Morning Mr. Fagan,
I can’t believe that you are retiring! I was
just talking about you the other day to my
boss, telling him about how much you impacted
my life and how I think you are such a
wonderful person.
Right now I am living in Brunswick, Maine,
with my boyfriend and we are looking to buy a
house. He makes a lot of money and I feel bad
because I don’t and I can’t put down as much
as he can. The payoff though is that I love my
job! I work at the fire department as an
administrative assistant. The Chief pretty
much lets me do what I want the way I want to
just as long as I get things done. In addition
to the regular payroll and billing, I also
maintain our web page, am a member in our
wellness committee, and working on a web page
for them, coordinate our open house, and this
year I started up a hydrant adoption
program. In addition, right now I am working
on a community-wide smoke detector battery
replacement program. Like I said, I love it
and I really do owe it all to you. I know that
I could go and make pretty good money, but I
wouldn’t have the freedom and the family that
I have here.
Peter Drewniak ’05
I don’t know how to even begin. Prof Fagan
meant so much to my college experience. He
always the person I would come and talk to
just because he seemed to draw me to him. He
taught me about life. That’s the best way I
can describe. I am mostly sad for the DWC
student coming who will never be able to
hear a famous Fagan Story. Fagan will never
be replaced, and if I could leave one famous
quote that I found that would sum him up,
here it is:
To laugh often
and much; to win the respect of intelligent
people and the affection of children; to
earn the appreciation of honest critics and
endure the betrayal of false friends; to
appreciate beauty, to find the best in
others; to leave the world a little better;
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition; to know even
one life has breathed easier because you
have lived. This is the meaning of success.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here is to Prof Fagan the life blood and
drive of DWC.
I will miss you greatly my friend, my
mentor, and my professor.
William Smith ’98
Professor Fagan did so much for us. He
will be missed.
God bless Don and his family
Tony Palhete ’83The news of
Don's passing is a sad day, not only for
the institution of DWC, but the many
students he taught and touched with his
life. I will always remember him as one
of my favorite teachers at DWC because
he was interesting, fun(ny), and truly
cared about the students. I wish I could
have spoken with him one more time, but
like many of his students, we are spread
out all over the world.
He certainly left his mark in his
lifetime on so many people, a mark that
will live on for years. I will not
forget Don Fagan, in my prayers or my
lifetime. Thank you Don and DWC for
helping make me successful. I would like
to donate to the Don Fagan scholarship
fund so his name lives on at DWC. Condolences
to his family and friends.
Page 1
| Page 2 | Page
3 | Page 4 | Page
5 | Page 6 | Page
8 |
