IRVINE – It was Gregory Coleman’s dying wish.
On the day he died, Coleman, his body tumor-ridden, could barely scratch out his initials on a letter asking UC Irvine to award him a master of fine arts degree in music.
He died from cancer in September just a few classes short of completing the curriculum.
“The last thing I told him that day was, ‘You will get this degree,'” said his son, James Coleman. “I promised him that. All I did was help him speak beyond the grave.”
Tuesday, UC Irvine awarded Coleman the diploma his father earned. University officials granted the master of fine arts degree in guitar after a several-month process of determining that Gregory Coleman’s professional and teaching career in classical music had satisfied any missing degree requirements.
His CD “Isla California” met the degree’s final requirement of composition and was called an “exceptional accomplishment.” Coleman’s degree is only one of five that the university has awarded after a student’s death.
“Getting this degree emphasizes the importance of formal education that was so vital to my father,” Coleman said. “When he taught guitar, he wasn’t just teaching music – it was about teaching life.”
James Coleman, 33, began his quest for his father’s degree shortly after he died. Almost like a lawyer, he put together evidence of his father’s work and accomplishments.
Ron Purcell, director of the International Guitar Research Archive at Cal State Northridge, entered Coleman as one of the pioneers of American guitar. He cited “Isla California” in which Coleman plays traditional music from the rancho era, as an example of the preservation of California’s historical music.
Associate Dean Colleen Reardon, also a musician, played a key role in Coleman’s quest. She demonstrated that Coleman’s numerous performances, his CDs and the extra classes he took were part of his “intellectual curiosity.” The music department’s unanimous support sealed the case.
“This was a long process,” said Fernandez. “In the end, this degree has more value – it was earned. It’s so nice to give that satisfaction and closure to the family. He was one of the best. He was agile, expressive and totally committed.”
Coleman’s battle with melanoma began 18 years ago when a student spotted a mole on his neck. Doctors removed it, and for 15 years he was symptom-free. In January 2003, doctors found eight tumors in his body. Coleman suspended his studies at UCI to go through intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Mark Westling, Coleman’s friend and student of 30 years, played “Romanza” for him the day he died.
“He was an extremely elegant and passionate player,” said Westling. “This is a wonderful closure for Greg. A fitting award to an accomplished musician and someone who loved education.”
Congrats to the CLUI for winning the 2005 Lucelia Artist Award.
