Paul A. Daum

Hiding out in Barberton, I just learned of Dr. Paul's passing. Along with the late John Thomas, Paul's classes were always a treat. Through his Paul Daum scholarship program, I had a renewed interest in theater and was able to fulfill a promise to my late father; graduating with a college degree- B.A. in Stage Design/Theater @ Akron University. I will continue my search for Magic City holy grail AKA Coventryware. I first learned about his family's connection when I stumbled upon Paul @...

1963: Paul was a graduate student at Akron U. I was in a production of "The Beaux' Stratagem". Dr. Dunlap directed and Paul was the technical director. Paul and I have been friends ever since.

And the friendship extended beyond me to my entire family. Many nights Paul and my mom sat together playing hearts, cheating us like crazy and drinking Brandy Alexanders.

Later when I moved to New York, a starving actress, Paul visited and took me to Mama Leone's for a great dinner. By...

I have fond memories of my graduate studues in theater at the University of Akron--and Paul is a part of those wonderful memories. I know that the universiy will miss his kindness and his encouragement.

Gary Luter, University of Tampa, Department of Theater

I was fortunate enough to study with Paul while completing my undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts, and will be forever grateful for that wonderful experience. He had so many gifts—his wealth of knowledge, his amazing talent, his kind heart and great sense of humor—and he gave so freely of all of them. All of us who have been touched by him have been changed for the better.

From my very first introduction to Paul Daum in the old theatre offices in a house which stood near the new library I knew I had met a true friend and colleague...dedicated to theatre and teaching. We shared many wonderful and difficult times together...eating pizza at his family's home, travelling to Western Michigan in the dead of winter for ACTF and dealing with endless technical and managerial and administrative problems. Once I was in Florence on a visit to Italy, I walked around a...

I will always remember Paul's kindness and encouragement from my time spent as a student at the University of Akron. He gave his students the confidence needed to succeed. He will be missed.

FAR BEYOND THE RUGGED ROCKS
AND TROUBLED WATERS OF THIS LIFE,
I HEAR THERE IS A CITY, NOT MADE WITH HANDS,
WHERE ALL MAY REST.

REST IN THAT ETERNAL FUTURE,
WHERE, LET US HOPE,
AND LET US BELIEVE,
THAT WE SHALL MEET.
Author Unknown

I still look at my Intro. to Stagecraft notes from 7 years ago and learn something new everyime. Paul was a walking theatre library. I can not imagine the University's Theatre Department surviving without him. He was a warm, gentle man and all of his students- past and present will greatly miss him.

I was first introduced to Paul when I was a small child when my parents took me to a party at his house. My father has been a member of IATSE since the 60's and I joined in the late 80's. Paul helped me out in many ways not just as a stagehand, but as a student at the University of Akron. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will remain.