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Oswald SCHRAG Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Oswald SCHRAG
Norman Hodges
May 14, 2010
IN MEMORIAM to Oswald O. Schrag from six former students
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops.”
Henry Brooks Adams (1838-02-16 – 1918-03-27)
Dear Mrs. Orpha Schrag (& Family).
During our 50th Anniversary class reunion at Fisk University, the Class of 1956,honored three distinguished living professors. Drs. Gladys Forde, Leslie Collins,and Oswald Schrag, for their unique contributions to our intellectual and social formation as students and, later, as adults, enamored of the life of ideas and
social action as exemplified by their dedication to us and to our hallowed
and beloved alma mater.
We are of two moods - contrasting but not conflicting - in learning of the passing of Dr. Schrag. We are, of course, deeply saddened and nostalgic at the sudden reminder of the loss of a Don who, as a spirited and learned philosopher, opened our minds and hearts to the discipline that most defined rational argument and
the investigation of fundamental questions of human existence. On the other hand, we, who were fortunate enough to have been students of this gentle, kind, witty, and rigorous teacher, celebrate his myriad contributions to Fisk and its academic stature during our time and since.
To his widow, Mrs. Orpha Schrag, who was also a respected, beloved, and dedicated member of the Fisk community, as director for many years of the International Student Center, and to his family, we offer the most heartfelt expressions of condolence over the loss of Dr. Oswald Schrag, and hope that your sorrow will be greatly relieved by the knowledge that he leaves behind a legacy and legions of students and persons whose lives were so deeply influenced by his lifelong commitment to "the love of wisdom."
Signed:
TIMOTHY B. DONALDSON,
former Bahamas Ambassador to the United States & Chairman, Commonwealth Bank of The Bahamas.
NORMAN E. HODGES,
Professor Emeritus, African & International Studies,
Vassar College.
PRESTON T. KING,
Professor Emeritus, Lancaster University, United Kingdom &
Visiting Professor, Morehouse College.
DAVID LEVERING LEWIS
University Professor & Professor of History, New York University.
CURTIS PATTON
Professor Emeritus
Yale University School of Medicine.
RICHARD P. THORNELL
Professor of Law Emeritus. School of Law, Howard University.
Debbie Ross
May 13, 2010
Doctor Schrag taught me to think outside the box. The world is a place of infinite possibilites. His classes were so awesome. I remember his smile and quiet manner that always made me feel comfortable.Even as I had run into him over the years since I had graduated, he always had time for a conversation. You were truly an inspiration. Class of 1975
May 11, 2010
Although I never had a class with Professor Schrag, I can well remember him and his wife walking across campus. He was a favorite of ALL students. He was the epitome of all that Fisk Faculty represented. Thank you, Dr. Schrag. You were an inspiration to ALL students.
Mary (Mimi) Hernandez, Class of 1962
Lawrence Hamilton
May 11, 2010
Dr. Schrag was a great mind and scholar but his sincere interest in the development and growth of his students-regardless of race, creed and color-was his hallmark and our blessing...I can imagine that Jesus met him at the pearly gates and said "Well done, Oswald...Well done!!"...
Jean Welch-Wilson
May 11, 2010
I feel like another member of my childhood family has left. The Schrags were very close family friends. They were ever present, warm, loving and sensitive to all that was going on around them. Dr and Mrs. Schrag had standing "battles" with my Dad on the golf course for years. Dr. Schrag and my father worked (taught) at Fisk, worshipped at Howard and Brookmeade and I know Daddy respected his friend for his wisdom and scholarly understanding of how to live a life well.
I am saddened at his leaving this earthly form, but I rejoice that he is at peace and gets to rest. Well done, good and faithful servant....!
May 10, 2010
At the news of the transition of Oswald Schrag to the newness of the life to come, I am thankful to remember the presence of he and his wife Orpha in my schooling experience at Fisk University, 1952-56. At the same time these were the initial days of the Civil Rights movement. Oswald and Orpha were a vibrant part of this painful movement to the days of wonderful social change.
O and O married some sixty and more years ago. Let us be thankful that in the context of those years at Fisk , " O " they married us, in and to, true living philosophy.
Rev. Robert Hunter (56)
Ramona Edelin, Ph.D.
May 10, 2010
Dr. Schrag opened the universe of independent scholarly inquiry to me; and for that I am forever in his debt. He was a patient, probing, teacher-as-facilitator who thoroughly enjoyed the passion, outrage, and determination of his students in the 60s when Fisk was a powerful catalytic force for the Movement. I can still see and feel that twinkle in his eyes. Because he encouraged independent study, I achieved my goal of reading and analyzing the great thinkers I so much wanted to study -- including WEB Du Bois -- before graduating. He personified the best of what an authentic grounding in the liberal arts really can mean. We thank him profoundly and celebrate his wonderful life!
May 10, 2010
Dr. Schrag was one of the great professors at Fisk. He made me think and challenged my position on religion and philosophy. I loved his sense of humor. Needless to say, Dr. Oswald O. Shrag was one of my favorite professors and he'll be long remembered for sure.
Fisk Forever!
Geo Cooper '82
Minister of Music
The Congregational Church of Park Manor UCC
Chicago, IL 60637
Lucius T. Outlaw (Jr.)
May 10, 2010
I am struck with great sadness on learning of Ossie's death. He was my major professor and academic advisor, and later my colleague and friend, always a mentor. I owe much to him for my successes as a teacher and scholar in academic philosophy.
My condolences, Orpha and family.
Carolyne Jordan
May 10, 2010
To the family of Dr. Schrag, I offer my sincere condolences. Dr. Schrag made a profound impression on me as he taught me my first course in Social Philosophy at Fisk University. He and Mrs. Schrag helped keep our mind informed through their work in the International Student Center, and his course work and dialogues with us. Peace!
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