In memory: Christopher Shaw

Chris was a Vietnam veteran and retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force. After his military career, he earned a Ph.D. in business from the University of Nebraska and worked at universities in Washington DC, Maryland and North Dakota.

Chris served as District 8 Education Coordinator and was instrumental in setting up youth teaching programs. In 2009, he and his wife, Mary Beth Lattan-Shaw, established the Youth Bridge Camp that hosts 6th through 10th graders every summer at Lake Williamson in Carlinville. In 2013, they created the annual Adult Bridge Boot Camp, a four-day teaching workshop and tournament for intermediate-level players.

Chris was also widely recognized for his research on the relationship between bridge and student test scores. His 2006 study found that children who play bridge performed significantly better on standardized tests. His data showed that bridge-playing students increased their scores across all five core subject areas, most notably in science, where their scores rose by an astounding 39.11 percent.

Chris' passing is a great loss for our bridge community and for all of his family and friends. Deep condolences to Mary Beth and all who knew Chris.