The impetus for the 75:20 Celebration held April 28-30, 2006 came from our 50th Anniversary Celebration in 1980 led by Bob Moulton, then artistic director of University Theatre. In my mind's eye, I can still see the kickoff event. Students, faculty, and audience members were assembled throughout the lobby after the opening of that landmark season. The staircase in Rarig was festooned with student ushers in brightly colored smocks that Bob had designed, and after the obligatory blowing out the candles on the cake, we sang happy birthday to the department.
One important result of that celebration was the establishment of Scholarship 50 renamed for Bob after his passing. This scholarship has grown significantly and now supports students in both dance and theatre. Realize that this was five years before we became a combined department of theatre and dance, the energy for which clearly came from Bob under Wendell Josal's influential leadership as department chair. Joining theatre and dance has proven to be as prophetic a stroke as any we have negotiated during the past twenty years, and has kept us right in tune with how performance is changing.
When the 75:20 committee first met a year ago last January, we decided that there were three goals for our celebration. First, we wanted to reconnect with our alumni—many had drifted away as they pursued busy careers and family endeavors. Second, we wanted to acknowledge the achievements of selected alumni as a model for today's students proving that, “there is life after the University and that a degree in dance and theatre does not necessitate a career as a waiter!” Third, since we were a volunteer group of faculty, staff and alumni it was imperative that we have fun.
In regards to that first expectation, we have certainly reconnected with our alumni. The 75:20 website, http://7520.umn.edu, was the first point of contact. We have kept this site current as a way to document the event for those who could not attend, and to keep our history alive. We urge you to see for yourself, and, if you haven't already done so, add your own memories to the blog, which is still open for business. One thing we learned about our alumni, though it came as no surprise, is that they are very busy and many sent their regards and regrets. However, this was because of professional conflicts: few of them, to my knowledge, are waiting tables!
In regards to acknowledging the achievements of our alumni, we picked up the mantle from Merle Loppnow, who began featuring pictures of alumni on the walls when we moved into the Rarig. The department unfortunately lost that momentum in 1978 as a result of our creative busyness. But this changed on April 29, when, after the performance of Cabaret, we unveiled a new updated “Notable Wall.” Let me issue a caveat about this wall. The committee not only learned that our alumni are very busy but they are also very “notable.” So many are achieving incredible success as artists, scholars, film makers, lawyers, in businesses, etc. that the sheer number came as a pleasant surprise. So, please understand that the wall is a work in progress. If you know of people who should be considered for future installations, please let someone on the committee know your thoughts. We hope to be able to expand this initiative periodically as time and energy permit.
Third, we did have fun!!! Each planning meeting became a reunion of sorts and the conversation quickly led to statements such as “You will never guess who I ran into or heard from?” or “So and so just connected with me and they are opening in …!” Our most memorable meetings were of course at Charles Nolte's palatial estate surrounding that heavenly heated pool.
In retrospect we wish more had been able to join us. But those alumni who could come—and those who joined us electronically via the 75:20 website—had a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers from their own time at Minnesota and also to find out about graduates of the department from across generations. The highlight of the weekend's events was on the new Minnesota Centennial Showboat. Here, Charles Nolte regaled a packed house with readings from his rich journals. His stories about his distinguished life as a playwright, actor, director, and especially as a teacher just reconfirmed for many of us the obvious—he is a remarkable and vibrant individual who has touched the lives of many.
The committee truly enjoyed planning and celebrating the department's past, and now we look forward to an equally challenging and promising future. So, mark your calendars for 2031 when we will reconvene for the 100:45 Celebration. However, if you are in the Twin Cities before then and would like to come by the department to reconnect and to reflect on your time here, our doors are always open. ˆ
The 75:20 Committee: Judy Bartl, David Bernstein, Lance Brockman, Tessie Bundick, Justin Christy, Carl Flink, Kathleen Hansen, Mickey Henry, Julie Ann James, Wendell Josal, Stephen Kanee, Michal Kobialka, Jean Montgomery, Charles Nolte, Courtney Peterson, Rick Polenek, Barbara Reid, Erin Roberts, Sherry Wagner-Henry.
