A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
I was one of the morlocks in the Jefferson High radio/TV world. People rarely heard my voice (at least over the speakers) because I was one of the guys that kept the TV side of our world working. Mr. Fraser rarely wandered in as he had Mr. Steve Spehager (well, you get the idea from that spelling) to take care of things. After Mr. Fraser ensured that we understood how to pronounce "Eraser" (to be pronounced like his name) he let us TV types go hide in the darkness of our side. (Maybe this is what George Lucas meant by going over to the "Dark Side"?)
I graduated from Jeff in 75, took the scenic route at Purdue (graduating in 85) and went on to get my MBA in 89. The fact that I carry many memories with me from Radio/TV days and from the unique and omnipotent Mr. Fraser only leads me to feel that those semesters there were priceless. The time spent both in front of and behind the camera at Jeff H.S. has helped me both in my working life and leisure. At work in New York City, I have to conduct meetings, some of which have video links with the United Kingdom and others in front of local audiences. Trust me, if you got the chance to defend yourself to Mr. Fraser when asked "Why are you doing that?" you can handle most of corporate America. Outside of work, I help with creating stage settings and discuss lighting techniques with other volunteers that help out with the Kids' Theater.
There is one thing that a small number of us saw that probably never has happened again... In my Radio/TV class we had both William Fraser, the teacher, and William Frazier, the student. (I believe Bill Raley was in the same class.) A classic line that came out of that setting (and brings to mind a hamburger from Dairy Queen) was after Mr. Fraser (the teacher) introduced himself with his trademark line "... as in 'Eraser'", Bill Frazier (the student) introduced himself as "Frazier, as in Brazier". Mr. Fraser had, by this time, patented his steely stare. The twinkle in his eye, however, was a complete giveaway. I think he loved the line but could never admit it.
From looking at the website, I did get one really great feeling and sense of closure: Mr. Fraser actually got to see his name put on the institution that he built. Many people go through life wondering if anyone will remember them after they are gone. He, for one, got to see that they will.