February 26, 1963 – February 3, 2022
“Fran inspired me to challenge myself as an artist. He had such an immense impact on my life.”
“I was a student, friend, and colleague for many years. Fran helped change my life as a young student and helped me grow as a man by setting a quiet example.”
A long time ACM SIGGRAPH volunteer and associate professor of Digital Media in the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies at Florida Atlantic University, Fran is remembered as an exceptional teacher, mentor and friend.
Upon completing both his BA and MFA from FAU, Fran joined the newly established Florida Center for Electronic Communication. As Associate Director of the CEC in 1998, he supervised all aspects of digital video production and 3D computer visualization projects. Fran’s grant funded projects included collaborations with Florida International University’s International Hurricane Research Center, the Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park, and archaeological visualization of soon to be lost ancient tombs in Sicily. His computer animated vision of clean energy technologies, under development by FAU’s Ocean Engineering department, played a key role in landing the new Center for Ocean Energy Technology.
ACM SIGGRAPH was also fortunate to have Fran as an active volunteer. In addition to serving as the chair for the Professional and Student Chapters Committee and on the ACM SIGGRAPH Executive Committee as Director for Chapters, he was also a key leader of the Fort Lauderdale professional chapter. Most importantly, Fran was a beloved mentor to his students and many other young people who have become important contributors to the SIGGRAPH community and the computer graphics industry.
Fran was a born teacher who worked with students from all ages and backgrounds, including junior and high school students interested in STEM, undergraduates beginning their academic journeys and graduate students he inspired as a scholar and an artist.
Fran won numerous awards and international recognition for his work, but the legacy he leaves is as an exceptional and loving husband and father, proud grandfather, calm, thoughtful and kind friend, beloved colleague and supportive teacher and mentor.