October 29, 2012
Professor Emeritus Bernard M. "Bernie" Wideroe passed away Wednesday, October 24, after suffering a heart attack. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Wideroe was an acclaimed architect, sculptor, and teacher. He began his career at Columbia College Chicago in 1986 as a full-time faculty member in the Interior Design program. He continued to teach in that program until 2000, when his appointment shifted to the Fine Arts program. He remained in this appointment until his retirement in 2006. 

Wideroe's own practice shifted as well, and his interests were ultimately realized in his work as a highly gifted sculptor. Wideroe was recognized as a consummate craftsperson and was a constant fixture in the Art + Design woodshop. 

His works were exhibited in numerous venues, including the 2001 exhibition "Sculpture in Chicago Now" at the Koehnline Museum. The curator of that show, Columbia College associate professor Corey Postiglione, wrote of Wideroe's art: "…Although these works are lovingly made with extreme care for details and materials, it is the virtue of Wideroe's intense skepticism that imbues these objects with their power to provoke and seduce our attention…" 

Like his art, Wideroe was noted for his wit, depth of knowledge, and insistence on quality. He will be missed by the college community.