Carl Stammerjohn is an engineer by coaching, an artist at coronary heart.
After acquiring a diploma in engineering, he labored in aerospace, as a race automotive mechanic, and as a math trainer, earlier than following his ardour and beginning a custom furniture business.
After about six years of working his personal store, Carl discovered himself taking lessons at Cerritos College. The college members had been so impressed along with his information and skillset that they invited him to take a place as an teacher. He gained the respect and belief of his colleagues, and after solely a few years grew to become chair of the Woodworking Department. He has labored tirelessly on this position, creating curricula and instructing the superb artwork of woodworking to numerous college students through the years.
Those of us who’ve had the nice fortune of taking a class with Carl fondly recall his signature, “Okaaaay, Come on up!” firstly of a demonstration or lesson. We would all jostle for a place on the entrance of the classroom, keen to be taught from this unassuming master. Carl is equally adept at conventional and fashionable woodworking methods, from hand-cut joinery and fine-tuning hand instruments, to energy instruments and computer-aided design.
Carl is thought for a depth of data, precision, and rigor in his woodworking. He brings the identical stage of devotion to his instructing. He has excessive requirements, but balances this with an approachability and kindness. Carl would typically ship us again to the bench to refine our strategies or begin over, till it was proper. This is rooted in a real concern for his college students, sharing his enthusiasm and dedication to excellence with us all. He is gracious and affected person, tolerating our fixed questions, and open to new concepts as properly.
Carl is modest about his achievements. An extended-time colleague and good friend, Anthony Fortner, remembers a time when he was wanting by way of a guide of handcrafted tables. One of Carl’s tables was within the guide. When Tony requested why Carl hadn’t talked about this, Carl replied, “You didn’t ask.”
Carl is just not the sort to self-advertise or search adulation. Which is a part of why I needed to write this submit. After years of sharing and instructing tons of (hundreds?) of scholars, Carl is retiring in May. He plans on spending his well-earned retirement along with his spouse Lindsey, touring, mountain climbing, and naturally woodworking. Fortunately, he has stated that he plans to submit on his web site and social media from time to time to generously share his information even in retirement.
Carl, you could have touched our lives and impressed so many, pushing us to obtain a excessive stage of excellence. Thank you on your years of tireless and beneficiant service. You are a true mentor, nice trainer, and master of the craft…thanks!
Ben Baroncini has realized woodworking from Carl Stammerjohn at Cerritos College in southern California.
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