Obituary of George Dugan

Professor George R. Dugan, a resident of Homer, New York, died April 27, 2016, peacefully at home, after a long illness. Born of humble beginnings in Stamford, Connecticut, our beloved George was an accomplished, creative painter of landscape, still life, and portraits whose use of oil paint and realism distinguished him from many abstract artists of his era. George was a compassionate and dedicated husband and father. He treasured his family and friends. Witty and relentlessly funny, his endless reserve of tales and experiences kept many an audience captivated in joyous laughter. He was guided by his personal philosophy that “Generosity is Joy”. He was generous with his home, which was always open to any who needed a meal, coffee, midnight talk, or a bed. He was generous with his time, his insights, and his life, often providing guidance to a friend or student -- often by sharing a humorous but instructive story. He was generous with his heart, loving so many openly and vocally. Many students and family members believe that he helped them in immeasurable ways personally and professionally. In truth, those same people helped George live a full life with a great sense of satisfaction and self-fulfillment. Professor Dugan had an insatiable and infectious life-long passion for and study of the arts. In his four decades of work at State University of New York at Cortland, University of Binghamton, Syracuse University, and Ithaca College, he was an inspirational teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend to many. His primary focus areas were painting, figure drawing, advanced drawing, and design. Professor Dugan believed -- and taught his students -- that “learning to paint was truly learning how to see.” Inspired by his Irish roots, many of his paintings reflect his deep love of and very personal connection with Ireland, the land of his forebears. Every summer for over ten years, Professor Dugan traveled with students to Dingle, Ireland, where he founded, directed, and taught in a SUNY Cortland study abroad program. The program brought dozens of students to Dingle and the southwest of Ireland to study landscape painting and to be immersed in the Irish culture he so loved. Professor Dugan encouraged students to see the dramatic Irish beauty, culture, and life with fresh eyes. Earning his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1971 from the University of Pennsylvania, Professor Dugan then joined the SUNY Cortland faculty. He was promoted to Full Professor in 1986 and on his retirement in 2000 was appointed an esteemed Professor Emeritus. Dedicated to his students and his profession, he also served many years on the Faculty Senate and was an ardent supporter of amateur and professional athletics locally at SUNY Cortland and throughout the nation. He created the Adirondack Landscape Painting course at SUNY Cortland and was a visiting artist at colleges and universities throughout the Northeast, primarily in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. As a living legacy of his passion for art and teaching, many of his former students have gone on to professional careers in the arts and education. His vision and compassion live on through those he has impacted. Throughout his career, Professor Dugan received many honors, grants, and awards. His art work has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States and internationally. In 1990, he was included in the University of Pennsylvania’s, Graduate School of Fine Arts: 100 Years, which featured their most outstanding art, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design graduates. His National Endowment for the Humanities grant took him to the Vatican to share a painter’s insight with a group of art historians studying the Sistine Chapel. In 1995, he was recognized with the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Most recently, Professor Dugan received the Cultural Council of Cortland County’s Lifetime Achievement Award. George Dugan is survived by his wife, Nina Datz Dugan of Homer, New York, his children Joshua Jonathan Dugan (Rochelle), Aisling Siobhan Dugan (Joseph Vaughan), Devin Jack Dugan, and six grandchildren; his brothers David Dugan and Frederick Dugan, and sister MaryLou Dugan Hansen; his nieces and nephews; as well as many dear friends. A celebration honoring George’s life will be held at the Center for the Arts in Homer, New York, on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at 2:00 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those desiring to help aspiring artists may consider donating to the "George Dugan Art Scholarship", a fund in support of art students in their learning, travel, and professional development. A non-profit organization is being established in George's name for the betterment of the Arts and the artists that he loved so much. Contributions can be sent c/o Joshua Dugan, 16008 89th Avenue NW, Stanwood, WA, 98292