Certain professors, mentors, and teachers are indelible on your heart and mind.
Prof. Holland believed in me.
When I was just shy of getting recognized for a formal academic achievement at MassArt (I wasn't slighted — the others were deserving, there were maybe 2 slots and I would have gotten the 'bronze'), Professor John Holland recognized me, and gave me a private (until now) inspirational pep talk, with regrets that there were not enough accolades to go around, technically, but recognized my contributions to the graduating SIM class.
He handed me a cash "Scholarship" that was enough money ($100 - a goldmine to me in 1998) to buy my first computer, a used Macintosh Classic. I used it to write things.
There are more things to say but this act of kindness is something I think of often, and when I am able, a behavior I emulate by encouraging those coming after me to be their best and never give up.
Most of the time, it doesn't come in a $100 tip; it comes in giving people opportunities, paying them fairly, and complimenting their achievements (big or small). I am forever grateful for the relationship I had with John Holland. My heart goes out to his family and friends and students—an accomplished sound musician, performer, producer, and director.
John D. Holland
John Holland (December 21, 1944 - May 25, 2024) was an American composer, author, performer, and recording artist. He served as Professor Emeritus in the Studio for Interrelated Media at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. Holland headed the Electronic Music Studio and taught music and performance classes until he retired from teaching in 2009.
Holland was a pioneer at the intersection of art and science. In the early 1980s, he co-founded the Nature and Inquiry artists group, which met weekly to discuss ideas in art and science. The group has presented work at the MIT Media Lab, the Harvard Smithsonian Observatory, Habitat Institute, and Copley Society of Art. Holland founded and produced several innovative projects: New Music at the Pozen Center, an experimental live music series; American Sound Group, a collaborative performance ensemble; and The Chocolate Ear, an online music series.
John Holland produced numerous music scores and recordings, as well as books and performance texts, which he has donated to the Morton R. Godine Library.
He was such a special person and touched so many lives!
Great story about the power of kindness, generosity, encouragement and mentorship. Your professor sounds like an incredible teacher! and seemed to pass down some qualities you have indeed embodied. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs!