Last year, our friend and colleague Zachary Watson tragically died by being struck by an automobile at the age of 29, leaving many of us shocked and deeply saddened. In his memory and honor, a few current and former Stamens have set up an education fund. It’s being administered by our friends and neighbors down the street at Gray Area Foundation for the Arts.
Zach was a well-loved and much-respected member of our community, involved with and leading some of Stamen’s most iconic work. He was a free and independent man, quirky and full of life, pursuing his varied interests with a fresh eye and a big smile. So in that spirit, each year on March 14 (Pi Day) one promising young creative coder will receive a $5,000 grant from Zach’s fund to help further their education. The funds will be provided free and clear, and recipients may use the money for whatever they wish.
You can donate to the fund if you like; we want to keep his memory alive through helping others like him. And if you’d like to apply, or know someone who would, please take a look here for directions.
I saw a lot of myself in Zach. Among other things, we were both the kinds of young men that thought suits and mohawks went well together. He was a smart and talented and fun guy, and I miss him a lot.
Donate or apply to the Zachary Watson Memorial Education Fund here.