16 From the beginning, Nova University valued diversity in both its student body and faculty. As dean, Abraham Fischler, Ed.D., took a bold step by convincing Leroy Bolden, a former Cleveland Browns player, to join Nova’s inaugural class. Fischler further pushed boundaries by inviting Shirley Chisholm—the first Black woman elected to Congress and a groundbreaking presidential candidate—to speak at Nova’s first summer institute for the Educational Leadership Program. Despite the area’s prevailing antisemitism, Nova’s board would soon promote Fischler to president. Myron Ashmore, an original Oatmeal Club member, encouraged a pilot program that integrated disadvantaged preschool children with tuition-paying students. Mickey Segal later moved this academy to Nova’s campus, giving birth to the University School, where welcoming all children across racial and religious lines was a core focus. CROSSROADS By 1969, Nova was open but in full financial crisis mode. As dreams collided with reality, the true cost of building an “MIT of the South” became clear. Fischler, the now executive vice president, assumed responsibility for the top role and presided over Nova’s first commencement, during which three men and two women earned their Doctor of Philosophy degrees on May 17, 1970. Honorary degrees were also awarded to two of Nova’s ardent champions—inventor Louis Parker and cattleman Jim Farquhar. Farquhar chaired both the South Florida Education Center and Nova University boards. His first major gift was 100 acres of land valued at more than $500,000. He also served along-side Fischler on a third board after a formal federation with New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) commenced. Fischler and NYIT president Alexander Schure shared a passion for educational innovation. For more than a decade, the two cross-promoted independent graduate-study options while introducing the new Nova College for undergraduate students, a new law school, and the Institute for Marine and Coastal Studies. During this period, the Florida School of Professional Psychology and the Fort Lauderdale Oral School for the hearing impaired also became part of Nova. A rift began when the attorney for the Leo Goodwin Sr. Foundation of Fort Lauderdale refused to distribute the millions bequeathed to Nova by the late GEICO founder, citing the university’s connection to NYIT as a justification. Nova pushed back, ultimately securing both the funds and formal independence from NYIT. Key to both efforts was Mary McCahill, an ally of Jim Farquhar whom he ultimately trusted to serve as his successor as board chair. THE GOOD FIGHT 60TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE Widowed in her 50s, Mary McCahill moved from Madison, Wisconsin, to Fort Lauderdale in 1964 to start anew. The resilient Irishwoman first guided the nascent Museum of the Arts growth into an accredited institution. With the help of her friend James Farquhar, she secured a lease to use Nova’s early storefront lab as gallery space while the museum built its reputation and permanent collection. In 1972, while still chairing the museum board, McCahill joined Nova’s Board of Trustees. Four years later, she became the university’s board chair for the next 12 years. Before turning 81 and being named chair emeritus for life, McCahill stood by Fischler as he fought to secure a bequeathed gift and played a critical role as the university navigated its separation from NYIT, which increasingly restricted Nova’s growth and ability to fundraise.
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