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Save the Date: 140th Anniversary Gala & Inauguration of President David Yager
This fall, the University of the Arts will begin a year-long series of events celebrating our 140th anniversary. Highlights include the inauguration of President David Yager and a number of related activities, including a creative black tie anniversary gala. Events will continue throughout the academic year. We invite you to celebrate this important milestone with us and help us commemorate the University's long history of excellence and innovation.
140th Anniversary Gala
October 16, 2016
Hyatt at the Bellevue
Inauguration
October 17, 2016
Merriam Theater
For more information, please visit uarts.edu/140 or email uarts140@uarts.edu.
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Pulitzer Prize-Winning Broadway Composer Tom Kitt Delivers Keynote, Receives Honorary Degree at 138th Commencement
Composer, musical director, conductor, arranger and musician Tom Kitt delivered the keynote address at the University of the Arts' 138th Commencement ceremony, held May 10 at the University's Merriam Theater on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia. "Every day, do something for your art," the Pulitzer, Tony and Emmy award-winning "Next to Normal" writer told the Class of 2016. Kitt also received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts (HDFA) degree from UArts President David Yager, who presided over the celebration. This was Yager's first commencement ceremony as the University's new president. Other honorees included longtime UArts Board of Trustees member and former chair Ronald J. Naples, who also received an HDFA, and Silver Star Outstanding Alumni Award recipients Fredric Snitzer BFA '73 (Sculpture) and Kim Yvonne Bears-Bailey BFA '84 (Ballet). The UArts Commencement Ensemble gave a standing ovation-worthy performance of "With A Little Help From My Friends," while Nia-Samara Benjamin BFA '16 (Acting) delivered a moving valedictory speech, telling her fellow graduates, "People say we're crazy for going to school for art. I say we're the backbone of humanity."
Above: Tom Kitt (center) receives his HDFA hood from Provost Stephen Tarantal (back) and President David Yager (right).
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Music Student Wins Emerging Artists Award
Congratulations to student drummer John Venezia '17 (Instrumental Performance) [above center], who was named one of five 2016 Emerging Artists by the Catherine R. and Anthony A. Clifton Foundation. The rising senior was hand picked by the University's School of Music to receive the $5,000 scholarship, which was presented during a concert ceremony held May 11 at the Kimmel Center. The annual Emerging Artists Awards honor exceptional and talented students who represent the future of the performing arts.
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Animation Alum Screens Student Film That Inspired 'Billy & Mandy' Series
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Faculty/Alum's 'Gilded Gates' Bike Racks Installed in Rittenhouse Square
"Gilded Gates," a series of ironwork bicycle racks designed by alumnus and Master Lecturer Jason Lempieri MID '04 (Industrial Design), were recently installed in Philadelphia's renowned Rittenhouse Square. Commissioned by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, "Gilded Gates" celebrates Philly's legendary ironwork while providing security for bikes.
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Photo Professor Wins Book Award, Gets Invited to White House
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Recent Theater Grad Named McKnight Playwrights' Center Core Apprentice
Recent Ira Brind School of Theater Arts graduate Sarah Galante BFA '16 (Directing, Playwriting + Production) has been named a 2016-17 McKnight Playwrights' Center Core Apprentice, one of only three from across the country to be selected. She is also the sole undergraduate student named to the prestigious program.
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Alumni Association Welcomes UArts Class of 2016
On May 10, 2016, the Alumni Council welcomed the Class of 2016 into the Alumni Association, a community of over 18,000 UArts graduates spread out across the globe. Alumnus Jud Aaron BM '81 (Saxophone) [above], who is also a member of the Board of Trustees, extended his congratulations to the graduating class on behalf of the Association during the University's 138th Commencement ceremony (see story above). Aaron encouraged graduates to remain connected to each other and to UArts. If you have an interest in connecting with alumni, would like to become involved in the activities of the Alumni Association or need to obtain your alumni ID, please contact TJ Walsh BFA '07 (Graphic Design), manager of Alumni & Parent Relations, at walsht@uarts.edu or 215-717-6149.
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