Remembering Pat

Have you ever met someone who, during a short amount of time, inspired you as if you’ve known them forever? Former Visual Effects professor Patricia Perrone (better known as Pat) was that person for me. I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting her during Spring quarter of 2021 when she taught my first Visual Effects class (VSFX 101). She planted a seed in me that has only been blooming ever since. Thanks to her, I was able to learn what Visual Effects is, and she guided me in deciding the right path to follow regarding my career. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the quarter, I received the sad news that she had passed away due to metastatic breast cancer. With this article, I want to say thank you and honor the memory of the wonderful professor, coworker, and friend Pat was during her time here.

Pat Perrone was an artist, educator, and mother who loved the beach and her dogs as much as she loved her children. She graduated from Greensburg Salem High School and received her BFA in painting from Carnegie Mellon University. She also received a degree in photography from Seton Hill University. In 1991, Pat earned her MFA in computer art from Carnegie Mellon University. Later in her life, Pat moved to Savannah, where she worked as a professor of visual effects at SCAD from 1991 to 2021. Pat taught generations of artists, many of who are currently working in big companies such as Disney, Dreamworks, and Pixar. She definitely left her footprint on the lives of many students, including my own.  

Starting out at SCAD during my first year, I thought that Animation was the right path for me. However, after meeting other peers and going to different VFX workshops, I found myself in a dilemma trying to decide between both majors. Pat Perrone was a key factor in helping me decide which major I should choose. I learned a lot in her class. From the core of VFX with the practical creations of George Melies to the technology behind real-time rendering, Pat opened my eyes to a new subject that I did not fully understand before coming to SCAD. With her kindness, her smile, and her guidance, she taught me a lot during and outside of class. I remember going to her office hours through Zoom, and she would always share a piece of advice or a lesson with one of her many stories about the industry and SCAD. Not only did Pat help me academically, but through her, I learned about the open position to be an editor in RenderQ; she opened that door for me to grow within the student media community, and I will forever be grateful for that. 

Like me, I know many other students at SCAD were inspired by Pat’s lessons and presence. However, the students were not the only ones moved by Pat; she always brightened up her coworker’s days as well. Current SCAD professor Joe Pasquale was one of her coworkers and closest friends. He recently shared with me that “Pat was a loving and dedicated educator, constantly working to make SCAD a better place for everyone. She was a superb motivator.” Pat was someone that could easily brighten your day whenever you were feeling down and would encourage you to do a great job whenever doubt entered through your door, restoring your hope and confidence along the way. One important thing he shared with me that everyone should know is that Pat always remembered and cared about every single student she ever met. So I fairly believe she is watching over us from Heaven, always caring with her sweetest heart.

Thank you for leaving a mark on our hearts. We will always miss you, Pat.

I also want to thank Professor Joe Pasquale for sharing a little bit of Pat’s story with me.

Sources: PatriciaPerroneObituary