by Bill Jenkins

At the 2007 Spring Banquet, the Department of Theatre and Dance gave out a record $25,000.00 in scholarships for upperclassmen within the program.  This marks an increase of over 100% in a three-year period.  Funds for these scholarships are generated from a number of sources including the Department's Show Sponsorship Program, financial gifts from friends and alumni of the program, and endowed scholarship accounts which have recently been enhanced or become available to the Department.  While several factors have contributed to this sizable increase in scholarship totals, recent scholarships in honor of past and present faculty members within the Department have had a profound impact.  

The Department currently has three endowed scholarships controlled by the Theatre and Dance program.  These scholarships honor Ed Strother, Gilbert Bloom, and Lynette Jordan Schisla.  Further, the Department shares an endowed scholarship with the Department of English celebrating the achievements of former faculty member Paul Robb.  In addition to these four scholarships, the Department also honors several emeriti faculty who had an incredibly noteworthy impact on the development of the program with named scholarships given through the Department's general scholarship account.  These faculty include Don Heady, Jim Hardin, Kay Knight, Beth Turcotte, and Alan C. English.  The award for Dr. English was celebrated in late April, when "Big Al" returned to campus for the 2007 Spring Theatre and Dance Banquet.  The entire evening was a wonderful tribute to a man who graciously gave the Department twenty-five years of service, mentorship, and teaching excellence.  Dr. English's award will be given annually to an individual in the Department's newly minted Production Option, which trains students who wish to pursue a career in directing or stage management.

The Department hopes to continue this record giving next year through contributions from several sources including our talented and gifted alumni.  If you are interested in assisting any number of our 375 talented theatre and dance majors, please consider giving to the Department's scholarship funds.   Contributions can be sent to Bill Jenkins, Department of Theatre and Dance, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, 47306.  All checks should be made out to the Department of Theatre and Dance. Through your generosity, the Department can make a difference in the lives our students while never forgetting the contributions made by our gifted and caring faculty.