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August 27, 2010

NWOSU memorializes teacher with scholarship

Enid News and Eagle

Because he had a lifelong passion for music and teaching, a Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduate has been memorialized with a music scholarship.

Charles Fisher, formerly of Alva, dedicated his life to music education. He died on May 7 at the age of 51, but through a scholarship supporting students at Northwestern, his alma mater, his memory continues to live.

The Charles Fisher Scholarship at NWOSU was established by his parents, Jack and Joan Fisher, family and friends.

“I, along with many of my classmates, was deeply saddened to hear of Charles’ passing at such a young age,” said Skeeter Bird, Northwestern Foundation CEO and a classmate of Fisher’s at NWOSU.  “I know that he would be pleased to see this scholarship created in his honor during such an exciting time in our music program.”

On a scholarship, Fisher attended Northwestern, where he was introduced to music education. At NWOSU, he learned to play the drums, the electronic keyboard and other percussion instruments, even being taught to play the marimba by former Northwestern band director Oscar Stover.

He graduated from NWOSU in 1982 and taught as a band instructor in Campo, Colo., from 1983 to 1984 and in Carney from 1984 to 1987. He had been band director in Crescent since 1987, sharing his enthusiasm for music with students in elementary school, middle school and high school.

Fisher was recognized for his teaching, winning the Golden Apple teacher award from KOCO TV and being honored as Teacher of the Year in Crescent.  

When Fisher passed away in early May, there were a number of people in Crescent and Alva who were interested in contributing to a fund in his memory. The Fishers said they thought it would be appropriate to remember their son with a scholarship at NWOSU for students pursuing a degree in instrumental music or music education, his lifelong passions.

NWOSU’s band has experienced significant growth — increasing from 24 members last year to about 65 this year — almost entirely due to the scholarships available, Stone said.

To make a contribution in memory of Charles Fisher, or for information about establishing scholarships at NWOSU, contact Bird, Northwestern Oklahoma State University Foundation CEO, at aebird@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8599.

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