Classmates and teachers of former NCC student Joshua Hartz are mourning his passing. Joshua graduated from Northampton Community College in 2006 and was pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh when he died on August 19.

NCC student Lisa Amy, Joshua’s friend and neighbor, remembers the art major as “a wonderful student and an inspiration to everyone he encountered.”

Tom Shillea, director of NCC’s art programs, spoke on behalf of the Art Department. “The Art Department faculty and students are saddened by the news of the death of a former student, Joshua Hartz. Joshua was a very talented artist, a dedicated student, and a kind person. He was universally liked by everyone. He had great potential to be a successful artist and designer. His talent and personality will be missed."

Joshua was a second place winner in the Patrick J. Krause drawing competition in 2005. His self-portrait is on display in Kopecek Hall here at NCC.

To read the Morning Call obituary, click here.