Norman Schureman

It is with deep sadness and grief that I write to inform you of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Norman Schureman.  A tragic accident took his life this past weekend, and we join his family and friends in mourning the loss of this celebrated and adored member of our community.

Norman was a beloved instructor, colleague, mentor and friend of hundreds of Art Center students, faculty, staff and alumni.  Norm’s relationship with Art Center began almost 40 years ago when his father, Bob Schureman, taught classes in the ID department and Norm would tag along as a young curious creative.  Years later, Norm launched his official design career after graduating from Art Center in Industrial Design.  He returned to the College to teach at Art Center Europe and then Pasadena.  Both Norm and Bob have inspired hundreds of design students over the years.

For over 20 years,  Norm devoted himself tirelessly to the College, instilling in his students a passion for design, a love for drawing and an eye for excellence. In his Viscom and Dynamic Sketching classes, as well as his Product Design classes, Norm brought criticality tempered with humor to his students and their work. Each term would generate new and constantly innovative ideas, images and prototypes. A place in the student gallery was always reserved for the great projects from Norm’s classes.

Our hearts go out to Norm’s entire family.  At the appropriate time we will discuss with them the option of a memorial service on campus to celebrate Norm’s life and his extraordinary contributions to Art Center.  We will keep you posted on time and date.  We will also offer grief counseling to those in need through Human Resources and the Center for Student Experience.  Details will follow on Monday.

We join as a community in grieving this painful and devastating loss.

Lorne M. Buchman, PhD
President
Art Center College of Design

***EDITED, 3/22 11:15 am***

The Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Academic Affairs are hosting an impromptu memorial for Norm at 4 pm today in the Sinclaire Pavilion. Please join members of the Art Center community in remembering a remarkable teacher, colleague and friend. There will be sketchbooks at the event for you to record memories of Norm and condolences to his family.

Details about a formal memorial being planned in conjunction with the family will be forthcoming.