Johns Hopkins Gazette: November 6, 1995


Obituary:
Schiffman, 72, Led Education Division

     Gilbert B. Schiffman, 72, professor emeritus and former
director of the Division of Education in the School of Continuing
Studies, died of cancer Monday, Oct. 23, at his home in Columbia. 

     As director from 1971 through 1977, Schiffman led the
division through a period of growth and change, building
foundations for programs that are now the cornerstones of the
division, particularly in the area of special education and
technology.

     In 1977, he took a leave from Hopkins to become director of
the national Right to Read Program in the Office of Education in
Washington, D.C., under the Carter administration. Returning to
the university 20 months later, Schiffman assisted the Division
of Education and the Applied Physics Laboratory in creating
software to help children with a wide range of disabilities learn
to read.  He also played a key role in the national search for
computer software for instruction and teacher training relevant
to educating the exceptional child.

     Schiffman helped to develop one of the first master's degree
programs in the country incorporating computers in education--the
Master of Science in Computer Applications for Education. These
efforts led to the establishment of the Center for Technology in
Education in 1986.  After his retirement in 1991, he worked on a
state task force under Nancy Grasmick focusing on adult literacy
in Maryland.  

     "Gil had a charismatic personality, which attracted people
to Hopkins programs," said Ralph Fessler, current director of the
Division of Education. "Many of his former students viewed Gil as
their mentor and role model. His life and work touched many
lives."

     Schiffman received a doctoral degree from the Northern
Illinois College of Optometry, a master's degree in education
from Temple University and a doctoral degree in education from
the University of Maryland.

     He is survived by two sons, Howard, of San Diego, and Mark,
of North Potomac; and four grandchildren.

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