I was saddened to hear that Red Burns, founder of NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, passed away earlier this week. Red was my academic adviser and one of the first people that I met when I arrived to study at ITP in the late 90s. Oddly enough, despite her small stature, she was also one of the most intimidating people I have ever met. And I say that as a person that is not easily intimidated. My first impression of Red was that she was not someone to trifle with, piss off, or just generally wind up on her bad side. Over time I was fortunate to see that there was a kinder and gentler side to her. Red cared deeply for her students, but she demanded the best from them. She was a formidable personality and utterly fearless in her approach to life.
Over the past few days my Facebook and Twitter feeds have been inundated by posts from friends and fellow ITP students who were influenced heavily by Red. She was truly a pioneer in the fields of tech education and digital expression. The overwhelming theme that comes through in all of the posts is that Red, and the program that she created, changed their lives for the better. I personally know that if not for Red Burns and ITP I would not have gotten to where I am currently in my career. I am sure that there will be many accolades presented in her name during the coming months. However I can think of no greater tribute that can be bestowed upon an educator and artist than for it to be universally acknowledged that their works have made an indelible impact on the lives of the people around them. Red Burns changed my life.
Thanks Red. May you rest in peace.
May 2009 Interview with Red Burns on failure and risk