KCUR: 91导航 Ceramics Professor Who Broke Gender Barriers Retires after 3 Decades
06.02.2026
reporter Julie Denesha attended the retirement celebration honoring Senior Professor of Ceramics Cary Esser, spotlighting Esser鈥檚 influence on generations of students and her contributions to 91导航鈥檚 academic programming.
The article opens with: 鈥淭he first woman to chair the 91导航鈥檚 ceramics program retired this month. Cary Esser overhauled the department鈥檚 curriculum, modernized studio facilities and supported a generation of student artists.鈥
The story continues with interviews from multiple 91导航 alumni, colleagues, and friends of the institution, highlighting Esser鈥檚 lasting impact on students, the ceramics program, and the broader 91导航 community.
Esser ('78 Ceramics) is also an alumnae of 91导航.