Employees remember Waynesburg legend
On Thursday, Nov. 10, Waynesburg University’s James “Fuzzy” Randolph, professor emeritus of music and curator of the Paul R. Stewart Museum, died in his home.
Fuzzy had been referred to as a “Waynesburg legend,” and those who knew him reflect upon Fuzzy’s time with Waynesburg fondly, honored to have had him in their lives.
Associate Director of the Paul R. Stewart Museum Courtney Dennis worked with Fuzzy in many capacities since starting at Waynesburg nearly seven years ago.
“He would come up to the [Office of Institutional Advancement] every morning to get his coffee,” said Dennis. “There would usually be a song, maybe a funny poem or a story. We always got used to that as how we started our days. It didn’t seem right without it.”
As Dennis transitioned to take over Fuzzy’s role with the Paul R. Stewart Museum, she got to know him even more, and was constantly surprised by his wealth of knowledge and stories.
Christine Schwartzmiller, executive secretary to the University President, used to work in Institutional Advancement as well. She shared similar memories of Fuzzy captivating all with his storytelling, songs on his harmonica or bagpipes, and caring personality.
“I always said that Fuzzy viewed the world from a child’s eyes and that, to me, was his best quality,” said Schwartzmiller. “The best way I know to describe his unique, very loving and very curious personality. He was my buddy and yet, everyone’s buddy.
While Fuzzy is no longer walking around the campus, Dennis maintains that his legacy will continue on.
“For those of us that knew him and students that were fortunate enough to know him,” she said, “Fuzzy and the university are synonymous.