LAHORE, Dec 28: Mark Writter Sponenburgh, founder principal of the National College of Arts, was a superb teacher and highly respected by undergraduate and graduate students alike. He had redesigned the academic structure and gave a new life to the then 75-year-old institution.

This was a consensus among speakers at a reference in the memory of founding principal of NCA Sponenburgh on Friday, who had passed away in his home at Seal Rock, Oregon, USA, at the age of 95 on Dec 6.

Speakers said it went largely to Sponenburgh’s credit that the present day artists of international caliber were emerging from this institution.

Architect Nayyar Ali Dada said Mr Sponenburgh was a person who revolutionised art education in Pakistan.

Prof Shabnam Khan said Mr Sponenburgh had built the institute with both head and heart and added that he taught how to work on new ideas and accept challenges. He was a true picture of responsible leader.

Former principal Mrs Abbasi said the founder principal had advised her that as a principal always keep opened your doors for the students and visitors. He also advised her to always follow the principles.

Prof Nazish Attaullah said she would write a book based on the memories spent with the great professor. Former NCA principal Saleema Hashmi shared her memories spent with the founding principal.

A footage of Prof Sponenburgh’s meeting with the faculty, shot by filmmaker Shireen Pasha, on the occasion of convocation in 1996 when Prof Sponenburgh was invited as chief guest, was shown.

The NCA archives had also produced the public addresses delivered by Prof Sponenburgh and distributed the copies among participants.

A special memento carrying a portrait of Prof Sponenburgh, designed by Iram Zia and Majid Saeed Khan, with quotes from his lectures, was also presented to participants.