Longtime AAS Calligrapher Randy Schum Retires

If you've attended a prize ceremony at an AAS or Division meeting over the last 36 years, you've no doubt marveled at the beautiful hand-lettered and framed certificates that Society leaders present to prize recipients. If you've received a major award or other recognition from the Society or one of its Divisions during that same period, you surely display the framed certificate prominently in your home or office. Since 1984, these prized possessions (no pun intended) have been the work of Master Penman and calligrapher Randy J. Schum of Rochester, New York. At the end of August, Schum announced that he's putting down his pen.

Schum spent much of his career as an engineer at Lockheed Martin. Following publication of his book Big-Hearted People: Make a Difference by Living Simply, Giving Freely, and Loving Deeply, he retired from engineering to devote himself to writing, teaching, art, and music. He has practiced calligraphy for four decades and was mentored by Master Penman Walter J. Filling, who frequently created calligraphy for the White House and the US Senate. In addition to his work for the AAS and numerous other organizations, Schum has created citations recognizing the contributions of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Henry Kissinger, astronomer Carl Sagan, and entertainers Neil Diamond and Elton John.

In his email to AAS Executive Officer Kevin B. Marvel, Schum wrote, "This is definitely not easy for me because it's like parting with a good friend. Creating calligraphy for the AAS has been a very rewarding and satisfying experience. I am deeply grateful for the confidence and trust the AAS has placed in me during this time."

"Your quiet service for our organization is something of which you should take great pride," responded Marvel. "Your certificates symbolize years of scientific research, personal effort, and community engagement by our prize winners and embody the spirit of the recognition we bestow on them. Displayed proudly, they serve as a lasting legacy of your careful, artful calligraphic efforts."

Schum has put the AAS in the capable hands of his colleague and fellow Master Penman Vivian Mungall of Ziller's in Orlando, Florida. "I will work with Vivian on a consulting basis for the next year to ensure that the transition will be seamless," he writes. "And there will be no changes in pricing!"

The AAS thanks Randy Schum for his 36 years of dedicated service and wishes him well in retirement!