Children’s Art Presented to Abraham Fischler for his 80th Birthday

Mailman Segal Institute Interim Dean Roni Leiderman, Ph.D., presents President Emeritus Abraham Fischler, Ed.D., with artwork from MSI classes.

Nova Southeastern University President Emeritus Abraham Fischler, Ed.D., celebrated his 80th birthday with a hero’s tribute. Emerging artists from NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies honored the man regarded as the “Father of Nova” and kindly referred to as “Abe” by handcrafting a vibrant painting in the style of Jackson Pollack’s work.

The artwork was presented to Fischler on his 80th birthday by MSI’s Interim Dean Roni Leiderman, Ph.D., to honor his leadership role in education; his support of MSI since its inception in 1973; and his pioneering spirit in making NSU the nation’s sixth largest independent institution of higher education. The interpretive masterpiece was created in true collaborative fashion by the hands of MSI’s two-year-old Fireflies and four-year-old Mighty Ducks.

Fischler, who served as president of Nova University from 1970 to 1992, is the chair of the MSI advisory board. Prior to coming to Nova in 1966, Fischler was professor of education at the University of California, Berkeley. He began his career in education as a science teacher and earned his Ed.D. degree at Columbia University. Subsequently, he became assistant professor at the Graduate School of Education, Harvard University. After his retirement as president, he served on the Broward County School Board from 1994 to 1998.

Fischler has authored numerous articles and publications focusing on science education and advanced teaching methods. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of several other educational and scientific organizations. As an active member of the community, Fischler serves on many local, county, and state boards and committees.