Henry Kritzler, \u2738 (BardCorps)

Abstract

Henry Kritzler came to Bard in 1934, after studying art at the Pratt Institute, as an “act of desperation in order to avoid the economic hardships of the Depression. At Bard he studied biology rigorously for four years; after later receiving his Ph.D from Iowa University he returned to Bard to teach from 1961-66. Speaking of his time as a student, Kritzler recalls in depth the political maneuverings of Bard\u27s professor of biophysics Harold Mestre who, with the help of a board member, ousted Tewksbury from the presidency. Kritzler remembers being part of a group of students who went to visit Tewksbury to get the story of why he left. Upon returning to campus the group started a student riot against Mestre, who succeeded Tewksbury. He describes his full load of studies in addition to working six part-time jobs; the days of mandatory chapel; and the reptilian, loathsome looking [students] lolling around who nevertheless had great academic potential. In later years, Kritzler excelled as a professor of biology at Bard, while simultaneously indulging his artistic inclinations through paintings of the campus and Hudson Valley. These paintings were later auctioned off to members of the alumni community. Of his many years at Bard, Kritzler says that the college gave him a great advantage and that it was marvelous! Henry Kritzler died in 2002.https://digitalcommons.bard.edu/oral_hist/1027/thumbnail.jp