Alfred P. Maurice

Alfred Paul Maurice started his impactful art career working for the National Youth Administration in his hometown of Nashua, NA.  He was an illustrator-draftsman for the Army during World War II.  He went on to find his niche in education teaching art at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, State University of New York at New Paltz and University of Illinois Chicago where he moved up the ranks from professor, to Chairman of the Art Department, Associate Dean of Faculties and Acting Dean of the College of Architecture and Art over twenty two year tenure.  Prior to teaching at University of Illinois Chicago he did two stints as Director of the Maryland Institute in Baltimore and Director of the Kalamazoo Institute of art in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
As a professor, administrator or director, Fred maintained a passion for the meaning of art in our lives. He has been quoted to say, “to me, art isn’t anything precious or special. It’s a way of expressing oneself, on par with writing or talking.”  Fred strove to assist people to inform themselves about art as more than a pleasant diversion; truth be told he inspired many to be informed on many topics, to genuinely think and find their passion!   Fred was one of the most vibrantly alive individuals I know and anyone fortunate enough to meet him would always be better for the experience.  To Fred, every day brought new discoveries to be quickly noted, often in a photo or sketchbook.
Fred made 3 endowed gifts to Western Oregon University, University of New Hampshire and University of Illinois, Chicago to continue his legacy of inspiring undergraduate students to believe in their mind, follow their heart and strive to reach their full potential.
Fred was predeceased by his wife, and siblings. He is survived by a sister-in-law, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, as well as a vast adopted family of eclectic individuals forming an extended family. Each of us will cherish the memories and miss Fred beyond what words can convey.
Memorial donations may be made to: The J. Dolores and Alfred P. Maurice Gift in care of Western Oregon University Foundation Office of Advancement 345 Monmouth Avenue N. Monmouth, Oregon 97361.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Alfred P. Maurice, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.