Fine Arts Hosts "Celebration of Storytelling"

Legends filled with stories
By Joe Jaureguy, Hornet Reporter

On Monday, Fullerton College alumni, faculty, and current students gather to celebrate connections created over the past 50 years at the Bronwyn Dodson Theatre. The event is being sponsored by the FC Theatre Arts Department and Fine Arts Division.

Robert Jensen, the Dean of Fine Arts, describes the night as a "celebration of storytelling" and spoke of the "inspiring and uplifting" mood they are trying to imbue the night with.

Alumni Stephen John and John Infante approached the dean with the idea for an event that could showcase the connections made at Fullerton College.

They wanted a night that would show current students the value of the type of education and networking that can be obtained at FC. Too many, the faculty believe, did not know the stories of their peers' successes and legacies.

John had been sitting on the patio of the Brownwyn Dodson Theatre when a teacher taking a student on a tour of the campus pointed to the brass letters naming the building. "I don't know who she was," he said, "but they named the theatre after her."

"We want to do a better job of telling the story," said Jensen.

The night will begin with a tribute to Dodson herself. Whose life was cut short on her way to class at FC 20 years ago.

A collage of musical and theatrical performances, will showcase the threads that have connected Fullerton College alumni over the past years.

Video testimonials are even being sent from across the nation from those who cannot attend and current theatre and fine arts faculty were interviewed for a video project as well.

All proceeds from the night are being used for a new scholarship was also proposed by John and Infante. The Alumni Legacy Scholarship will recognize new talent in the arts at FC.

The scholarship will be given to the most promising newcomer, someone who can "pass on the torch" said Jensen.

The intent is for a student to receive the award at the end of his or her first year and use it to further the spirit of the theatre and fine arts division of FC.

"I'll be going," said theatre major Victoria Whitaker, sitting outside the Dodson Theatre with a group of like-minded students.

The consensus among the group was the night would be filled with interesting and worthwhile performances. Cayha Kimmel, another theatre major, knew the significance of the date and Dodson's attachment to it.