Inner Circle
ASU Gammage hosts first year of Disney Musicals in Schools
9th Annual ASU Gammage High School
Musical Theatre Awards
Volume 36 Summer 2023
ASU Gammage
As our 2022–2023 season winds down and we gear up for the fall, I am excited for all the 2023–2024 season will bring to ASU Gammage. We have an amazing set of shows lined up for both our Beyond and Broadway seasons. From dance to immersive theater, there is something for every audience. One of the shows I am excited to share with Tempe audiences is AN UNTITLED LOVE on Sep. 23.
Kyle Abraham and the A.I.M dancers have always been one of my favorites, but this new piece is oneof-a-kind. It is both groovy and calm. With the joyful smooth songs of D’Angelo and boldness of Kyle’s
choreography, AN UNTITLED LOVE pays homage to the complexities of self-love and Black love, while serving as a thumping mixtape celebrating culture, family and community.
The piece will immerse you into the world presented by the dancers, complete with a stage set with a large couch, tables and lamps (think good old-fashioned living rooms you would see on TV). In what Kyle described to the New York Times as “Black love sitcom dance,” the piece presents vignettes of life and love set to music.
Just like with everything Kyle does, there is power and humanity in every movement. This is one show I encourage you to experience.
AN UNTITLED LOVE kicks off our 2023–2024 Beyond season. Beyond is made possible because of donors like you. If you are interested in finding out more ways to support Beyond, please give us a call at 480-965-6059.
I hope to see you at ASU Gammage soon! But I especially hope to see you at AN UNTITLED LOVE on Sept. 23.
asugammage.com/anuntitledlove
Photo by Christine Johnson
ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Executive Director of ASU Gammage
Photo by Carrie Schneider
1 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE
For tickets visit
WHAT’S INSIDE
9th Annual ASU Gammage HSMTA
Talent shines at the 14th Annual Jimmy Awards
Gammy and Jerry Award Photos
Disney Musicals in Schools
Meet Leo Gonzales
ASU Alumna Tony Awards® Dress
The Perfect Match
Donor Photos
AIN’T TOO PROUD
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack
EDITOR IN CHIEF AND PROJECT MANAGER
Arianna Jones
MANAGING EDITOR
Theresa Dickerson
EDITORIAL TEAM
A lexis Alabado; Kari Amarosso; Killian Blakemore; Michelle Johnson; Arayah Larson; Megan Loponen; Tim Walling
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
A lexis Alabado; Kari Amarosso; Stacey Bailey; Kimberly Carson; Jillian Cote; Heather Fuentes; Emily Mai
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sophie Pallissard
Cover Photo: Disney Musicals in Schools
Photo by Tim Trumble
Volume 36 Summer 2023
10 14 04
CONTENTS
Students participate in Disney Musicals in Schools.
Best Lead Male, Denver Dickenson, with family and friends.
Colleen JenningsRoggensack at the 2023 Tony Awards®.
Gather Storytelling From U2 to the Pope VIP Donor Club asugammage ASUGammage asugammage ASUGammageFan ASUGammage asugammage 03 05 07 09 11 15 17 13 19 21 22 23 2 VOLUME 36 | 2023
9th Annual ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards
By Alexis Alabado
For high school students across the state, the ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) is their Tony Awards®like experience. This year, 400 performers from 25 high schools walked the red carpet, performed a number from their school’s production and learned which finalists ultimately became the winners of 14 performance and technical categories.
“It’s a night of recognition, praise and celebration for all of the talented, skilled and crafted performances put on by our
high school students, and year after year we happen to have a lot of talent in front of the stage curtain and behind it,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Executive Director of ASU Gammage. “These students are the future professional actors, actresses, stage managers, tech directors, and creatives who will continue to keep this signature American art form alive.”
Mingus Union High School students drove two hours from Cottonwood to participate in the HSMTA.
“This is my 9th year participating in the High School Musical Theatre Awards, and I think the best part is getting a chance to see all of the kids take the stage,” said James Ball, Mingus Union High School drama director. “We get to see the vast talent from schools all across the state. This is a beautiful venue and the fact that these young kids get to perform on a professional stage is profound. As a teacher and an educator, it’s cool to see all of that talent in one space at one time.”
“What I love about musical theater is how accepting and freeing the art form is. It doesn’t matter your background, identity or where you come from...”
—DENVER DICKENSON, BEST LEAD MALE 2023
Photos by Tim Trumble
1Best Lead Male, Denver Dickenson, and Female, Alyse Negroni
2Best Dance Ensemble went to Chandler High School for “Quartet at the Ballet” from ANASTASIA.
3Best Musical goes to Chandler High School.
3 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE CULTURAL PARTICIPATION
4Students on the red carpet of the 9th annual HSMTA.
Chandler High School won Best Musical for the second year in a row for its production of ANASTASIA. This was the school’s third time winning Best Musical in the four years it has participated.
This year, there were a number of ties. Best Supporting Female went to both Sydney Vance from Arizona School for the Arts and Amaya Cooks from Chandler High School. The categories of Best Costumes and Best Hair and Makeup went to both Canyon View High School and Mingus Union High School.
This was the first year the Best Supporting Male and Female categories included a cash award of $500 graciously donated by our very own patron services manager, Jeremy Bennington.
Denver Dickenson from Casteel High School and Spencer Wareing from Saguaro High School won the ASU Gammage Leadership Award. This award recognizes two graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership on the stage, in the classroom and in the community. Each student received a $500 cash award to further their education.
Kris Crane from Hamilton High School won the Excellence in Stage Management Award and
a $500 cash award donated by our very own production manager Shaun Schultz and his wife, Amber.
The final awards of the night, Best Lead Male and Best Lead Female, went to Denver Dickenson from Casteel High School and Alyse Negroni from Hamilton High School.
Each year, those that win Best Lead Male and Best Lead Female continue on to the National HSMTA, known as the Jimmy Awards in New York City. Notable Arizona finalists include 2017 HSMTA winner Sam Primack, who played the final Evan in DEAR EVAN HANSEN before closing on Broadway, and 2019 HSMTA winner Casey Likes, who opened BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL on Broadway as Marty McFly in June of this year.
In addition to competing at the Jimmy Awards, the Best Lead Male and Female winners received $500 cash awards sponsored by Patricia Langlin-Brazil and Ronald H. Harten.
“This means everything to me. The Jimmy Awards changes people’s lives, and it’s a once in a lifetime experience that I know I’ll never forget. I’m just excited to spend a week focusing on theater and being around people
my age that care so much about theater and getting to learn from professionals,” Negroni said.
For Dickenson, this is the culmination of years of hard work.
“Even to be nominated was such a huge accomplishment, but to know that I get to go and be in a room with a bunch of people nationally who love the same thing that I do is just magical,” they said.
“What I love about musical theater is how accepting and freeing the art form is. It doesn’t matter your background, identity or where you come from – the only thing that matters is as soon as you hit the stage, the audience is rooting for you because they want you to win. They want to hear what you have to say and go on an emotional journey with you.”
HSMTA is sponsored by The Molly Blank Fund, Lee Bowman, Brenda and Jim Rowland and a gift by the Julie Bennett Family in memory of Michael. Cash awards are sponsored by Ronald H. Harten, Amber and Shaun Schultz, Jeremy Bennington and a gift made in loving memory of Patricia Langlin-Brazil.
Best Lead Male winner Denver Dickenson
Best Lead Female winner Alyse Negroni
Students from Westwood High School perform “Holding Out For A Hero” from FOOTLOOSE.
4 VOLUME 36 | 2023
Students from Xavier & Brophy College Preparatory perform a number from MATILDA THE MUSICAL.
Talent shines at the 14th Annual Jimmy Awards
By Alexis Alabado
Alyse Negroni performs in the Tribute to Touring Broadway group. Photo by Tricia Baron
96 students from across the country perform at the 14th annual Jimmy Awards.
Photo by Tricia Baron
Denver Dickenson performs as Eddie Flagrante from ZOMBIE PROM in the Character Medley group.
5 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE JIMMY AWARDS®
Photo by Tricia Baron
The 2023 Jimmy Awards® featured 96 nominees from 48 regional awards programs marking their Broadway debut at the Minskoff Theatre, the theater that famously houses Disney’s THE LION KING. During this unforgettable talent showcase hosted by Corbin Bleu on June 26, our ASU Gammage Jimmy Awards nominees Denver Dickenson and Alyse Negroni performed for thousands in the audience and those watching the livestream back home.
“My favorite memory is doing the opening number on stage,” Negroni said. “The audience was incredible and being on stage with all of my friends, I will never forget that feeling.”
Dickenson and Negroni created memories at The Juilliard School during this week-long theater intensive gearing them up toward the showcase. This included coaching sessions, training and rehearsals led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals.
When Dickenson and Negroni arrived in New York City, they received a welcome fit for the Big Apple. The day began in Times Square celebrating the Juneteenth
concert, where Michael James Scott (ALADDIN) hosted the event and Black Broadway performers graced the stage. The two Jimmy Awards nominees got to watch a matinee show of SOME LIKE IT HOT and stayed for a talkback with the cast, including 2023 Tony Award winner for Best Leading Actor In A Musical, J. Harrison Ghee.
“It was insane because I’ve been obsessing over SOME LIKE IT HOT for a few months now, and being able to see J. Harrison Ghee perform in a role that they were nominated for made me happy because I felt seen on stage,” Dickenson said.
Later in the week, the Jimmy Awards troupe also got to see the show MJ and have a talkback with the cast. To Dickenson, who had seen MJ earlier this year, being able to see the show again with a new perspective and a new group of people was a core memory they are not going to forget.
The week was filled with intensive training along with bonding alongside talented peers. Above all, Negroni wants to remember that in this industry, bringing herself to the table is enough.
“Being surrounded by kids my age who I think are more talented can be difficult, and the whole week we’re surrounded by people who are the best in the country. It was really easy to feel discouraged and like you aren’t good enough. But by the end of it, you learn from your coaches and your choreographers and all these professionals who tell you ‘you are enough,’ and it’s true. I’m taking away a lot more confidence in myself and my talent than I had before,” Negroni said.
Dickenson felt similarly. “I took away how inspiring it is to be around people who have different talents and different experiences from you, especially when you aren’t focused on the competition aspect. You’re able to pick up on so many more lessons when you’re just focused on the beauty of their artwork. I feel like for the longest time my end goal was to be on Broadway, but now over the course of the week it’s changed to just be a performer in whatever sense that word means in the future, just to be a part of the theater community and be a part of creating something.”
“ “
By the end of it, you learn from your coaches and your choreographers and all these professionals who tell you ‘ you are enough,’ and it’s true.
—ALYSE NEGRONI, 2023 ASU GAMMAGE HSMTA BEST LEAD FEMALE
Executive Director of ASU Gammage Colleen JenningsRoggensack and Alyse Negroni at the Jimmy Awards after party.
Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson
6 VOLUME 36 | 2023
Dickenson and Negroni at the Broadway Juneteenth Concert in Times Square.
GAMMY JERRY AND
AWARDS DINNER
and 2023–2024 Season Announce Event
Monday, March 13, 2023 and 2023–2024 Season Announce Event
Jerry Winner JO Finks and Lynne Traverse enjoying the awards dinner.
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack presenting the Gammy Award to winner Larissa FastHorse.
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack presenting the Jerry Award to winner JO Finks.
7 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE DONOR EVENT PHOTOS
LES MISÉRABLES performer Andrew Luck pictured with Susan Ahearn, JO Finks and Bill Ahearn.
Salar Nader from THE KITE RUNNER performing at the Seaon Announce Event.
Parris Lewis from TINA — THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL performs during the season announcement.
Michael Reed announces the 2023–2024 Beyond Season.
Broadway star Casey Likes with Dawna Calderone.
Nicole Belmont, Kathy and Albert Leffler and Lynne Traverse on stage at the Awards Dinner.
8 VOLUME 36 | 2023
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack celebrates the 2023–2024 Broadway Season.
ASU Gammage hosts first year of Disney Musicals in Schools
On May 2, more than 115 elementary students came together from Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix for the opportunity to sing and dance on the ASU Gammage stage during the inaugural Student Share Celebration of the Disney Musicals in Schools program.
Disney Musicals in Schools aims to establish sustainable theater programs in public elementary schools. It is generously underwritten by the Abbett Family Foundation and Disney Theatricals Group, allowing ASU Gammage to create a musical theater experience in four schools each year. Through the program, participating schools produced a musical in their school community and joined in a culminative performance on the ASU Gammage stage.
“By exposing students to the arts earlier, it will more likely grow into a lifelong love of the arts for them, and every year that goes by we’re planting more theater programs around the Valley so the number of schools affected,
and students affected, will grow,” said Desiree Ong, ASU Gammage’s Educational Program Manager.
“I’ve seen some students who, I think, were looking for an outlet like this and this has been really positive for them,” Emerson Elementary School Principal Nicholas Lodato said. “It’s helped them to exercise an interest and a desire that they’ve had — they’ve just not had a music production to put on and express it. It’s like they’ve finally found their place right there onstage.”
Elementary students, teachers and families attended the Student Share Celebration. The young performers presented one Disney musical number from THE JUNGLE BOOK JR., ALADDIN JR. and THE LION KING JR.
The evening concluded with a heartwarming finale that placed all student participants on the stage together singing “It Starts with a Dream,” an original Alan Menken number that was composed for Disney Musicals in Schools.
Schools that participate in the
Story by Emily Mai
Photos by Tim Trumble
for
in
THE
Students from Eisenhower Center
Innovation
their
LION KING costumes.
ASU Gammage Rising Star, ASU alumna, and profesional Actress Caelen Creaser was the emcee for the night.
9 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE CULTURAL PARTICIPATION
Four students from Eisenhower Center for Innovation in their THE LION KING costumes.
program receive free performance rights and materials for a 30-minute Disney musical that is specifically written for elementary school performers. Throughout the semester, professional teaching artists help guide teachers through the process of putting on a musical with their student performers.
“Theater is interesting because it’s one of those art forms that people see or watch movies about, and it’s one of those things that people go, ‘I think I can do that.’ And essentially at its core, yes, anybody can do theater — if there’s a will there’s a way. So really, our ultimate job is to teach the intricacies of how to actually do that,” said Breona Conrad, the ASU Gammage Teaching Artist at Eisenhower Center for Innovation and Palm Lane Elementary School.
The aim of the program is to equip teachers with the necessary training to enable them to continue a tradition of theater education for many years into the future.
“Our teachers who are running the drama club for Disney Musicals in Schools are already talking about future productions and how we as a school can sustain this and make this a staple of Palm Lane,” said Scott Nigh, Principal of Palm Lane
Elementary School. “This is a great starting point for us. We’re here for the whole child and we need to find ways to expose and give opportunities to our students. The hope is that next year we have 200 students audition because they saw the performance this year. We’re hoping that kind of helps shift our student culture.”
The Disney Musicals in Schools program’s curriculum is firmly rooted in the national standards for theater, performing arts and music. This ensures that the basics of theater and music are well-established, allowing the program to be sustained and to continue for years to come. During the 17-week program, students are taught theater technology, terminology, movement on stage, singing, projecting their voices, characterization and more.
“Disney Musicals in Schools and ASU Gammage have given this group of students an opportunity to experience magic in their life. It doesn’t mean that they have to go into theater for a living, it just means that theater has touched their lives in a profound way, and for kiddos in the Title I schools whose opportunity to do this would otherwise be very slim, it’s amazing to see the doors that open for
them,” said program coordinator, Julie Hackmann.
In addition, it is meant to give students a space to discover themselves and instill characteristics like teamwork, confidence and resilience at a young age. Students get to experience life-changing theater performances that they would otherwise not have access to and foster a community of love and togetherness amongst their peers.
“The teachers have shared with us that some of these kids have really difficult lives outside of school. And of course, we don’t know what those lives are. We don’t need to know what those lives are. But it is our job to just be there. And to have these kids know that there are adults that just love them, period,” Conrad said with tears in her eyes.
Disney Musicals in Schools is generously underwritten by Disney Theatricals Group and the Abbett Family Foundation, with additional support provided by Joanne and Seamus Mulloy, Alan Paulson and Greg Yagi.
To learn how you can support this program, please contact Peter Means at 480-965-6059.
“
“ It’s like they’ve finally found their place right there onstage.
—NICHOLAS LODATO, EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Students from all four schools closed the showcase with “It Starts with a Dream,” an original Alan Menken number that was composed for Disney Musicals in Schools.
10 VOLUME 36 | 2023
Students from Desert Spirit Elementary School in a number from THE JUNGLE BOOK.
ASU Gammage Artist Engagement Manager has been doing what he loves for over 20 years at ASU
By Jillian Cote
Arizona native Leo Gonzales has always been a Sun Devil. Even before his college days, Arizona State University’s maroon and gold was embedded into his daily life. More than 20 years later, it seems fitting that ASU continues to be his home.
“Growing up in my family’s sports world, we always went to ASU football games,” said Gonzales. “I guess I knew I was always going to be a Sun Devil. Even though I had offers from different colleges across the country, I decided to be here, at ASU.”
Gonzales is an ASU alumnus with a degree in marketing, graphic design and years of experience in different jobs across the university. From his student worker position as an advertising representative with the State Press to his current position as an Artist Engagement Manager for ASU Gammage, ASU has become a bright network of Gonzales’ impact.
As Artist Engagement Manager, Gonzales’ main role is managing
the Beyond series’ residency activities and holistically coordinating other artist engagement initiatives and Cultural Participation programs, including Military Family First Nights and Expressions, an open-mic experience on the ASU Gammage stage.
“My main goal is to nurture and expand working relationships with diverse ASU student organizations, campus departments, instructors, professors and outside organizations,” said Gonzales. “The position is fast paced, and pre-planning is key to providing the Beyond series’ contemporary artists the ASU Gammage welcome they deserve. I attend all of the residency events and end the week with the After Party where guests of the show are invited to meet the artists, ask questions and enjoy food and drinks.”
Gonzales aims to bring creativity and community into the spaces he finds himself in. Gonzales considers himself a lifelong
learner and attributes much of his professional life to his creative drive.
“I'm definitely learning through my role at ASU Gammage,” said Gonzales. “A lot of it is attributed to the opportunities I have to envision something, what it's going to look like and then create it.”
Gonzales’ creative mindset is not limited to his professional life. His innovation can be found in his passions and hobbies — his cookie decorating business is just one example of many.
“Creativity is a huge part of my life. You can see it in my workspace, my home space and the way I present myself. I’m always doing something different.” said Gonzales. “During Covid, I started a cookie business so I could harness that creativity. Working with customers and the expectations of what they're looking for and utilizing my talent to provide them something to be proud of is something that makes me proud as well.”
1Gonzales and his husband, Earnest Riley, love the Olympic circuit and have enjoyed the Games in-person in China, London, Rio and look forward to Paris next year.
1 2 11 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE STAFF PROFILE
2Gonzales represents ASU Gammage at an ASU tabling event.
Pride and purpose are common threads in all of Gonzales’ projects. For him, one of the most exciting aspects of his job is the opportunity to connect with the performers and support their stories.
“Personally, the connections I make with the special artists out there as well as the chance to hear their stories has been fantastic,” said Gonzales. “No one’s story is the same. You're not going to get here just from a formula. You have to go down your own path and see what makes you happy. I love it when they openly engage in conversation about their work and things they like to do outside of dance and performing. I’ve stayed connected to many from Step Afrika! and Dance Theatre of Harlem via Instagram and I enjoy seeing them continue their work while having fun.”
Even before his role at ASU Gammage, Gonzales has been a fan of the arts. Moving from audience member status to now working behind the scenes has brought him many rewarding experiences, namely a chance to welcome new fans into the theater world — especially his family.
“Most rewarding is really introducing the opportunity to experience theater and contemporary arts to people that have never done it. My family still doesn't necessarily know what
I do. They're all about football and sports,” said Gonzales. “So, the opportunity to take them to a Broadway show is definitely new for them. I think sharing that experience has brought me a lot of joy.”
Gonzales’ appreciation for his role at ASU Gammage stems from spontaneity and the opportunities he has found as a result. His professional trajectory was anything but planned, but to Gonzales, that is what makes it so special.
The community and support Gonzales has found in the teams he interacts with at ASU Gammage is also a source of gratitude for him.
“I could go on and on about the staff and everyone here, the inspiration they give to what we do on a daily basis and the hard work that people do,” Gonzales shared. “I appreciate that a lot because that's the motivation that keeps you going.”
Gonzales aims to follow a philosophy of passion and joy in his professional and personal life. This is nothing new to him, but rather a consistent goal that he uses to ensure his accomplishments are worthwhile to others and to himself.
“Looking back at my career reminds me of how important
the quote ‘doing what you love’ is to me. I think if it brings you joy every day where you can get up and get to work – not knowing exactly what's going to happen, but knowing there's something good out there, you're going to accomplish something. I think that's been my experience for the last 15 months,” he expressed. “When work doesn't feel like work, that's a good thing.”
“My main goal is to nurture and expand working relationships with diverse ASU student organizations, campus departments, instructors, professors and outside organizations.”
—LEO GONZALES
A snapshot of the contagious energy by the Student and Cultural Engagement staff during an International Student event in 2017.
12 VOLUME 36 | 2023
In 2014, Gonzales worked for The State Press and credits his success to the spirit and drive of the student staff. Spending time with them on special events was always a fun and memorable experience for him.
ASU alumna
designs red carpet gown for the Tony Awards
By Jillian Cote
ASU alumna Abigail Davis has always had her heart set on the world of fashion. First learning to sew when she was five, Davis is ambitious and dedicated in her design ventures, ranging from her senior capstone collection to her debut couture business. At 23, Davis was given her biggest venture yet: a unique designer gown that was worn at the 76th Tony Awards® red carpet and ceremony in New York City.
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, the executive director of ASU Gammage and ASU’s vice president for cultural affairs, is the sole Tony Awards voter that represented Arizona and wore Davis’ creation on Broadway’s biggest night. JenningsRoggensack sought Davis out following her tradition of enlisting Arizona-based designers for the event and was quickly acquainted with her in the process.
“Abigail is magic. Absolutely magic,” Jennings-Roggensack said. “She figured out how to outshine the stars I was there with. I’m always so proud to say there is tremendous talent in Arizona.”
Davis graduated from ASU’s fashion program in 2022, forming her company, PHENOM Couture, with her senior capstone fashion collection. Her brand aims to create custom couture fashion that exudes the personality of her clients and blends with her playfully elegant aesthetic. Above all, Davis emphasizes inclusivity of each body in every way possible.
“PHENOM believes at its core that everyone is phenomenal and deserves to be celebrated and accelerated,” Davis said. “It’s all about reaching their ultimate potential through fashion, because ultimately the best dress is a great smile.”
Creating a gown this intricate, unique and thoughtful is a feat within itself — five months of work went into the process. Fashion design takes just as many technical skills as it does creative energy, but Davis has already mastered these abilities at ASU.
After graduating from high school in 2017, Davis realized that an outof-state fashion school was not a wise decision for herself from a financial perspective. However, ASU had just founded its fashion program that same year, causing Davis to chalk it up to divine timing.
“If ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts didn’t create its program when it did, I wouldn’t have even been able to go to college,” Davis said. “It’s been such a crazy experience to see the program grow so much, to move into the ASU Downtown campus, and all the incredible things they’re
1Colleen and Abigail fitting meeting in April 2Tony dress sketch Garmet embroidery label 3Bust construction 4Tony
13 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE TONY AWARDS ®
Dress reveal photo by Tim Trumble
doing with this new technology. I’m very proud to be from Arizona and be affiliated with ASU.”
Davis is thankful for ASU’s everinnovative nature. Her exposure to cutting-edge fashion technology during her time as a student introduced her to the new age of sustainable couture.
“ASU is the exclusive place where you can learn how to use the newest software, like Opex. It creates an extremely sustainable and rapid process of pattern making, and it’s so much more accurate to the person or body that you’re trying to dress,” Davis explained. “Learning it provides such an edge in this industry, so it’s incredible that ASU can even offer that at a public university. You wouldn’t even find that at some of the top fashion schools in New York City.”
From the classroom to the creation of PHENOM, sustainability has remained an area of focus for Davis’ designs, in more ways than one. From the fabrics that she uses to the structure of the clothing itself, PHENOM designs aim for longevity and purpose in the closets of its clients.
“Sustainability takes form through several different factors for us here. Every project gets repurposed as filling for making coats — we’re repurposing every single scrap that we produce,” Davis said. “As far as sustainability goes with our couture services, I’m a pattern maker originally, so there’s sustainability within the integrity of our designs as well. Our gowns will grow with you and will be able to be passed on
generationally because it’s not made out of a fixed material.”
Jennings-Roggensack’s gown puts Davis’ words to life, as the unique three-dimensional lace fabric was hand sourced by Davis in 2020 and used to its entirety, meaning that no other dress can be made with this now archived material. Additionally, the spandex-based materials found in the corset expands up to three sizes, allowing the design to breathe with the person wearing it.
“Abigail has an incredible contemporary eye,” JenningsRoggensack said when describing the dress. “When I wore this gown, I channeled two things: a very talented designer who happens to be a graduate of ASU, and the state of Arizona. When people shouted ‘Who designed your dress?’ I said, ‘Abigail Davis did.’”
When representing Arizona at one of the biggest awards events of the year through fashion, Davis set herself and the brand aside to focus on the greater message of celebrating Jennings-Roggensack at every level she possibly could and to share this Southwestern vision with the world.
“Through our entire process together and how we came up with the final design, it is such a co-creation. Colleen is extremely inspiring, playful and such a force of nature,” Davis said. “This is the biggest opportunity I’ve had in my career thus far, and I truly could not be more honored to have Colleen wearing it.”
“ “
PHENOM believes at its core that everyone is phenomenal and deserves to be celebrated and accelerated.
— ABIGAIL DAVIS
Colleen JenningsRoggensack and Abigail Davis photo by Tim Trumble
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack on the pink carpet at the Tony Awards®.
14 VOLUME 36 | 2023
Colleen JenningsRoggensack photo by Tim Trumble
the perfectmatch
By Heather Fuentes
Brian Jones and Vaughn Lovell have not only found their perfect match in each other, they have found a way to match their love of theater with giving back to their community as donors at ASU Gammage.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brian went to college in San Diego, and upon graduating, was recruited to Polymer Chemistry right outside of Savannah, Georgia. After many years in the industry, he realized his work needed to have a larger purpose and moved into the blood and biotherapies arena. After banking blood for 10 years, he got involved in stem cell and bone marrow transplants for cancer treatment. He finds this work incredibly rewarding and has found a home at Johnson & Johnson. Having
fallen in love with the sunshine and slower lifestyle in Phoenix, he would also fall in love with a man named Vaughn Lovell.
Vaughn was born in Michigan, but grew up in Arizona, graduating from Dobson High School in Mesa. Later, he would get his bachelor’s degree in Marketing & PR from NAU. During his 14 year career in marketing, Vaughn would also get his MBA from Pepperdine University. Somewhere along the way, Vaughn realized he also needed to make a change. “Over ten years ago, I decided I was going to make a big change in my life. I went back to school and got my bachelor’s degree in Nursing.”
Today, Vaughn is a Sr. RN Manager of Population Health at Banner Medical Group.
The couple loves to travel, with Ireland holding a special place in their heart. Vaughn proposed to Brian in Saint Stephen’s Green, a historical park and garden in Dublin. The couple got married in 2019, but planned to take their honeymoon closer to their oneyear anniversary. “The plan was to go in 2020, but we all know what happened instead…” said Brian, “...the pandemic came and our honeymoon had to wait.” This year, their dream will finally come true as they journey to their greatest adventure, an African Safari.
While they have been subscribers since 2010, they became donors in 2016. Vaughn is happy to be Brian’s plus one, having rediscovered theater thanks to his husband. “I believe it’s always important to donate to causes you
Vaughn Lovell and Brian Jones
15 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE DONOR PROFILE
believe in. A kind of mantra that I’ve tried to live my adult life by is ‘make all you can, save all you can, give all you can’ and I think ASU Gammage gives us the perfect opportunity for the giving piece,” said Vaughn. They believe the work at ASU Gammage is important to the culture of greater Phoenix.
“There are very few things that societies are known for,” said Brian. “If you go back in the history books, they are known for riches, wars and for their culture. Bravo to ASU Gammage for furthering the culture in Arizona in such a positive way on all levels. Whether it be a child who is interested in dance or music, but has never had the opportunity to understand how they can get into the field, or whether it is a couple going through a hard time who decides to put life’s troubles on hold for an evening and go see something that really inspires or comforts them.”
Brian and Vaughn believe all of the programming that ASU Gammage does is important, not just the Broadway series. “To us, theater is so much more than just entertainment. Theater is there to challenge us, to inspire us, to make us see the world differently. Not only to make us feel, but to make us think. I don’t know of another thing that can do that. I truly believe in the power of theater.”
said Brian. “As soon as we were financially able, it was important to donate to a cause we believe so strongly in.”
The couple recently sponsored a donor lunch for Dance Theatre of Harlem in the fall of 2022. A revolutionary and renowned dance institute with a company of racially diverse artists performing a repertoire of classical and neoclassical ballet, as well as contemporary works. Brian and Vaughn consider the company a meaningful way to see diversity, equity and inclusion in action. Giving the community in Arizona an opportunity to stretch their cultural mind is just the kind of thing that motivates this duo to give back.
Brian and Vaughn have also made friends along the way with other donors and staff members on the ASU Gammage team. “We enjoy our time in the VIP Lounge before shows. We get to the theater early, don’t have to worry about parking, have a nice glass of wine, enjoy the beautiful weather in Arizona, and chat with people before the shows. It is a great way to meet and get to know fellow theater lovers.” said the pair. “One of the things we look forward to doing with ASU Gammage is taking a trip to The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh.” The couple uses a company match program to increase their donation
power. “It was easy to set it up and my company, Johnson & Johnson, is very generous. For every $1 we give to ASU Gammage, they give another $2.” said Brian. “Donating to ASU Gammage allows us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves… a part of something that can speak meaning into people’s lives.” A perfect match, indeed.
To learn more about corporate matching or ways you can support ASU Gammage visit asugammge.com/support
Virginia Johnson, former Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Artistic Director, Brian Jones and Vaughn Lovell
“Bravo to ASU Gammage for furthering the culture in Arizona in such a positive way on all levels.”
16 VOLUME 36 | 2023
—BRIAN JONES
Golden Gammage Investors
El Chorro Lodge Sponsored by Lee Bowman
Spring Dinner
1. A very “sweet” surprise! Happy 50th Anniversary to Susan and Bill Ahearn as Killian Blakemore presents them with a special cake.
2. Our gracious sponsor for the evening, Lee Bowman, with Colleen Jennings-Roggensack.
3. A special thank you to Tre Moore (Left) and Brach Drew (Right) as they joined Colleen Jennings-Roggensack for a wonderful Q&A about the impact of High School Musical Theatre Awards and their future aspirations!
4. Carmen Blank, Michael Blank, Piper Jameson, Bradley Jameson, Mark Halberg, Joanne Halberg, Mollie Trivers
5. Haig Tchamitch, Mary Way, and Peter Means
6. Tim Walling, JO Finks and the group watch as Brach Drew and Tre Moore perform a Broadway song.
5 6 4 1 2 3
Photos by Rebecca Ross
17 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE VIP DONOR PHOTOS
Kristina Wong For Public Office
VIP Donor Club Lunch
ASU Gammage Rae and Richard S. Love Lobby
Photos by Tim Trumble
1. Chris Rodriguez and Michelle Jung, the sponsors of Kristina Wong’s three-year artists residency, with Kristina Wong and Colleen Jennings-Roggensack.
2. Tran Appell and Kristina Wong
3. Bill Ahearn, Susan Ahearn, Kristina Wong, Albert Leffler
4. Tim Walling, Dan Calderone, Dawna Calderone
5. Members of our Beyond Cohort! Front: Justin Kerchal, Rosey Kerchal, Jim Rowland, Brenda Rowland, Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Joan Cremin
Back: Chris Rodriguez, Michelle Jung, Kristina Wong, Mindi D’Elia, Anthony D’Elia
6. Jenniffer Jarvis, Jeff Abbett, Susan Ahearn, William Ahearn
7. Front: Barbara Berger, Irv Berger, Jim Rowland, Brenda Rowland
Back: Justin Kerchal, Rosey Kerchal, Kristina
Wong, Henry Terrazas, Thomas Kriegsmann, Tim Walling
8. Kristina Wong and Greg Yagi
9. Front: Dale Leach, Machrina Leach, Rita Ginsberg, Diane Silverman, Leo Gonzales
Back: Julie Rebello, Rod Rebello, Kristina
Wong, Virginia Morrison, Catherine Morrison, Killian Blakemore
2 3 4 5
1
6 7 8 9 18 VOLUME 36 | 2023
THE BROADWAY MUSICAL IS BASED ON SURVIVING MEMBER AND FOUNDER OTIS WILLIAMS’ 1988 MEMOIR, “THE TEMPTATIONS”
Known for their many R&B love songs and pop crossover hits, like “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” and “My Girl,” it’s easy to forget that The Temptations are more than just crooners. That’s why Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of the Temptations has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. It demonstrates just how much impact the group had on America’s history and how they evolved alongside the country’s ongoing social changes. No wonder the award-winning Broadway musical is an undeniable hit, winning the 2019 Tony Award® for Best Choreography and now on tour, thrilling audiences all across North America.
Based on surviving member and founder Otis Williams’ 1988 memoir, The Temptations, the musical —
written by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Des McAnuff — tells of the rise, fall, and redemption of the quintet who quickly became famous in the Sixties and Seventies for their distinct harmonies, showstopping choreography, and hit songs that provided a soundtrack for one of the most tumultuous times in America. They were one of the singing sensations that helped define Motown Records’ unique sound and long-lasting, broad appeal — but that’s not the whole story.
Considered a biopic musical, Ain’t Too Proud does more than just run through a string of hits, which separates it from a glut of jukebox musicals currently on Broadway. “It brings truth to the music,” as Derrick Baskin, who portrays Williams onstage, tells Rolling Stone. It shows the inner workings of the
group’s members and how their ups and downs informed the music as well as reflected the times they were living in. The show links “The Temptations to social and political events circling around them, from civil rights struggles and bigotry to a music business not always keen on allowing the group to write its own material or express anti-war sentiments,” David Browne writes for the magazine.
“No one talked about them in a political way, or how their politics tied in with the politics of the nation,” Morisseau says. “Once the white audience thinks they know you, you can’t go switching on them,” Berry Gordy (Jahi Kearse) says in the show of the group’s struggle to break through in a politically charged way. “‘TV’ black. ‘Radio’ black. Not the same as ‘political’ black. You have to
THE TEMPTATIONS’ “AIN’T TOO PROUD” IS A SOUNDTRACK FOR NOT ONLY YESTERDAY’S BUT ALSO TODAY’S DIVIDED TIMES
19 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE BROADWAY
serve them music in a way that’s digestible. Otherwise they jump ship, and we lose all we worked for.” As Sara Holdren writes for New York magazine, “The Temptations wanted to be a more political band, to respond with more explicit activism to the world in which they were living.”
For instance, “War,” written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, is often thought of as Edwin Star’s hit protest song, reaching Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970. But as the musical reveals, The Temptations originally recorded a vocal demo of the record and were later upset when they could not release the final song as their own. The group gets to reclaim the record and finally have their anthem moment as the song is performed onstage in front of a captivated and responsive audience. It should be noted that The Temptations did, however, convince Motown Records founder Berry Gordy to let them get more political at the time with the record “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today),” which is also reprised in the show.
Then there’s “Don’t Look Back,” a tentative love song written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White that is given new life in the musical when it’s performed while the group recounts the racism they endured touring through the South. “When racists shoot up the tour bus somewhere near Alabama, [it] offers a rare moment of candid conviction about what achieving fame with white audiences means to them,” Naveen Kumar writes for Towleroad. It’s followed by “I Wish It Would Rain,” a melancholy tune infused with deep sorrow as images of Martin Luther King Jr. and headlines about his assassination are displayed on screens behind the actors.
By the end of the show, there’s no more separating the group from the social messages of the time, even though not every song was originally written for that purpose. Their music is partly a time capsule, and that’s why it’s those political moments — from Dr. King to the onset of the Vietnam War — that resonate the most with audiences, both familiar and new to the group.
Another reason audiences are finding such deep meaning in these songs — and the musical as a whole — is because the themes of social change, political divide, and economic disparity feel as applicable to the current sociopolitical landscape as when they were first written and recorded. Ain’t Too Proud provides “a lens for us to look at our time and see how much things have and haven’t changed,” McAnuff tells Rolling Stone.
In the nearly six decades The Temptations have been active, their unwillingness to fit into one type of mold has led to a near-peerless level of enduring relevance. They can sing, they can dance, they most certainly can woo — but they can also inspire, and lead, and be a voice of change as demonstrated in Ain’t Too Proud
Don’t miss AIN’T TOO PROUD at ASU Gammage Nov. 14–19, 2023.
20 VOLUME 36 | 2023 BROADWAY
Gather Storytelling
celebrates its third anniversary at ASU Kerr
The Gather Storytelling series is building a following at the ASU Kerr cultural venue in Scottsdale. Created in April 2020, it was initially as a livestream only event. The team behind the creation of the program, all women of color, wanted to connect the community and prioritize underrepresented voices during a turbulent time.
The livestreams featured three guests sharing true personal stories in line with the chosen theme. The stories were followed by a question-and-answer talkback with the host, guests and livestream viewers.
Community support grew. ASU Kerr collaboratively produced the November 2020 Gather event as part of the signature Scottsdale arts event Canal Convergence and worked with other partners such as ASU Art Museum.
In April 2021, ASU Kerr put Zoom aside. The team filmed the livestreams in person with tellers at the venue, with professionalgrade cameras and equipment generously funded by the Abbett Family Foundation.
Further evolution occurred when South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute Co-Founder and Faculty Director Liz Warren worked with ASU Kerr and suggested how Gather could distinguish itself from other story telling events.
Warren recommended incorporating traditional stories and folk tales into the program, an element other storytelling shows did not have – and also recommended guest hosts from the Storytelling Institute who told these types of stories. Gather now features a guest host that shares a folk tale and three personal storytellers. Guest hosts have included Marilyn Torres, Diana Dinshaw and Kyle Mitchell, who have shared folk tales from their respective West African, Pakistani and Diné heritage that were aligned with each month’s theme.
“Personal stories are told alongside folk tales that have existed for centuries,” said ASU Kerr Marketing and Publicity Manager Stacey Bailey. “The connections that can be made between tellers’ personal experiences and the folk tales are unexpected and fascinating.”
Recent guests on Gather have included New York Times bestselling-author and Moth Mainstage performer Mishka Shubaly, anesthesiologist Dr. Lynette Charity, Chicano studies educator Dr. Mathew Sandoval, “Crafty Chica” Kathy Cano-Murillo and newer storytellers Candace Hamana, co-founder of indigenous design and art collective Cahokia Phoenix and Badger PR, Home Body fashion designer Brandyn Jenkins, Adelante Mami’s Dede Cortez and many more.
“We love seeing our crowds grow with the program,” said ASU Kerr general manager Tracey Mason.
“Incredibly supportive audiences are finding us and asking beautiful, insightful questions at the postshow talkbacks.”
Gather Storytelling is now every other month. Tickets are $7 at asukerr.com.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Aug. 25 – Force of Habit
Oct. 26 – Rebel with a Cause
Dec. 1 – The Natural World
1 2 3 1Violet Duncan Gather Oct. 2021 2Candace Hamana Cahokia Gather Mar. 2023 3Nereyda Martin,
III Gather May 2022 21 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE ASU KERR
Kenzie Saunders, Mishka Shubaly and Harold “HB” Branch
The Surprising History of Sun Devil Stadium to the Pope FromU2
By Kimberly Carson
Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, is an iconic landmark cherished by Arizona State University students and sports fans alike. From exhilarating football moments to unforgettable concerts and impactful speeches, this stadium has witnessed countless iconic events.
Renowned as the home of Arizona State University football, the stadium has also been the home to the Arizona Cardinals NFL team from 1988 to 2005. In 1996, Super Bowl XXX saw a fierce battle between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers, captivating over 76,000 fans. With a final score of 27-17, the Cowboys emerged victorious. Adding to the excitement, the halftime show featured the sensational diva Diana Ross performing her hits on the football field, arriving in style via helicopter.
Another remarkable event was a 1987 U2 concert, part of their “Joshua Tree Tour.” It was an epic performance that enchanted attendees who sang along to beloved songs like “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
Other notable moments include the filming of the movie “A Star is Born” in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson performing in front of a packed audience. Their heartfelt performances showcased the stadium’s unique design and contributed an extra layer of authenticity to the film.
Sun Devil Stadium has also hosted extraordinary guest speakers such as Pope John Paul II in 1986 during his United States Tour and President Barack Obama as the 2009 Commencement Speaker.
Sun Devil Stadium is more than just a sports venue – it’s a place where history has been made and will continue to be made with upcoming fall events set to utilize the stadium in innovative ways. This fall, Sun Devil Stadium will bring back Movies on the Field and launch the brand new “Cafeteria Comedy Club” to host a lineup of star-studded comedians.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Oct. 14 — Larry Owens
Oct. 21 — Marcello Hernandez
Nov. 4 — Jessie Johnson
Nov. 10 — Top Gun: Maverick
Learn more about ASU 365 Community Union events at asu365.events.
1 2 3
1A Star is Born ©Warner Brothers 2President Obama and ASU President Michael M. Crow at Sun Devil Stadium.
22 VOLUME 36 | 2023 ASU 365CU
3Super Bowl XXX 1996 Diana Ross half time show band. Photo by David Petkiewicz
ASU Gammage VIP Donor Club as of June 7, 2023
Golden Gammage Investors
benefits
VIP Donor Club Guidelines: You must maintain your annual VIP Donor Club contribution at or above the Directors Club level in order to enjoy VIP donor seating. Special subscription seating and location is offered to VIP donors in the Orchestra level in rows 3–20 in the VIP and A price levels dependent on donation level. VIP Donor Club benefits may be available only upon your request, at your expense (if any) and subject to availability. Benefits are effective immediately and are subject to change without notice. Annual donation of $1500+ is required in addition to the cost of the tickets. ^To be
Corporate Foundation Sponsors
BOLD indicates $50K cumulative giving to ASU
*denotes multi-year commitment
These individual donors and foundations cumulative giving have totaled $100,000 or more.
Abbett Family Foundation
Susan and William Ahearn
Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation
Pat and Bill Andrew
Jerry Appell
APS
Arizona Community Foundation
Carol Barmore
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Baughman
Barbara, Irv and Jeremy Berger
Carmen and Michael Blank
F. Richard Bloechl Family
Lee Bowman
George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical
Broadway Across America
Dawna and Dan Calderone
Joan Cremin
Cathy Dickey
JO Finks
Karen and Grady Gammage, Jr.
Janet and Chip Glaser
Laurie and Chuck Goldstein
Joanne and Mark Halberg
Ronald H. Harten
Michelle Jung and Chris Rodriguez
Patricia Kaufman
Gail and John Krueger
Patricia Langlin-Brazil
The Hugh W. Long, Jr. Family
Rae and Richard S. Love
Robert Machiz
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Manning
Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation
Merrily Metzger
Marcia and Andrew Meyer
Lesley and Paul Monfardini
Margaret T. Morris Foundation
Jeffrey D. Oliver
Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey
Jeff and Leslie Rich
Rosenbluth Family Foundation
Jana and Charles Sample
Christy and Richard Schust
Enid and Michael Seiden
Ticketmaster
Marsha and Charles Van Dam
Mary and Bill Way/Way Family Charitable Foundation
Ray and Sue York
Legacy
Susan and William Ahearn
Nancy Anderson and Curt McLees Anonymous
Carol Barmore
Weasley Beckley
Larry Berentzen
In Memory of Nan Beyer
George and Patricia Brazil
Linda Broomhead and Terese Sanchez
Marlene Bushard
Kim Cahow
Angela and David Conwell
Carl J. Cross
Cyndi and Terry DeBoer
announced * Subject to availability Member • $120 and above Contributing Member • $300 and above Supporting Member • $600 and above Directors Club • $1,500 and above Kathryn Gammage Circle • $3,000 and above Grady Gammage Society • $6,000 and above Producers Academy • $10,000 and above Investors Guild • $25,000 and above Subscription to Inner Circle Magazine l l l l l l l l Opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public (when available) l l l l l l l Visits to the VIP Donor Lounge 2 4 unlimited visits Recognition in show programs l l l l l l Invitation to behind-the-scenes events and cast parties^ l l l l l Great seats and private VIP Donor Club ticketing concierge services* l l l l l For Season Ticket Holders: Priority seating in VIP Donor Club subscriber seats (number of tickets and location based on donor level)* 2 4 6 8 10 For Single Ticket Buyers: Priority seating available (number of tickets and location based on donor level)* 2 4 6 8 10 Reserved parking at ASU Gammage l l l l Annual luncheon with the ASU Gammage Executive Director l l l l Invitations to exclusive events l l l l Your photo in the ASU Gammage VIP Donor Club Leadership Gallery l l l Special opportunities tailored to your individual needs and interests l l Special lobby and website recognition l
$100,000+ Desert Financial Credit Union $99,999–$75,000 Abbett Family Foundation Broadway Across America George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical The Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation $50,000–$25,000 J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation Margaret T. Morris Foundation $24,999–$10,000 APS Arizona Community Foundation Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Inc. Tim Trumble Photography, Inc. Union Pacific Foundation $9,999–$2,500 Airpark Signs Arizona Business Magazine Bell Bank Gammage & Burnham Target
Gammage
23 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE
Leonard and Emily Dudziak
Raylan and Beverley Evans
JO Finks
Mary Flora
Marilyn and Jim Foley
Phillip Gillies
Alan and Anita Handelsman
Henry and Mary Hansen
Ronald H. Harten
Jay and Rojon Hasker
Robert and Jeanette Heacock
David N. Horowitz
Jacqueline HuffordJensen and Greg Kroening
Donald and June Julen
Pat Kaufman
Shirley Kruger
Sue Larsen
Cheryl and Mickey
Laurent
Mark Leeper
Rae and Richard S. Love
Douglas Lowe
Larry Mattal
Cathy Mazur
Ellis and Kiran Means
Merrily Metzger
Ron and Vickie Neill
Stephanie Nowack
Simon Olstein
Clyde C. Parker Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Pollay
Russell A. Robbins
Dr. Lynn Robershotte
Mitchell and Heather Ross
Brenda and Jim Rowland
Virginia Schantz
Margaret Schulz
Tamara Scrivner
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Smith
Ava Spanier
Jo and Frank Stockman
Bruce C. Thoeny
Brinley Thomas
Mollie C. Trivers
John and Joyce Webb
John O. and Betty Whiteman
Investors Guild
Susan and William Ahearn*
Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation
Carmen and Michael Blank*
Lee Bowman*
Joan Cremin*
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Goldstein*
Great Clips
Ronald H. Harten*
Brian C. Jones and Vaughn A. Lovell*
Producers Academy
Buffie and Ray Anderson
Anonymous
Reginald M. Ballantyne III
Carol Barmore and Phil Hineman
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Baughman*
Howard and Lisa Bell
Dawna and Dan Calderone
Dr. James Cord and Charles Brazeal
Jacqueline Chadwick, MD
The Desmarteau Family
Janet and Chip Glaser
Joanne and Mark Halberg*
Jay and Rojon Hasker
Michelle Jung and Chris Rodriguez*
Patricia Kaufman*
Rosey and Justin Kerchal
Gail and John Krueger
Evelyn and John Lucking
Cheryl Mandala
Merrily Metzger
Marcia and Andrew Meyer
Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey*
Rod and Julie Rebello
Rosenbluth Family Foundation*
Brenda and Jim Rowland
Jana and Charles Sample
Joanne Schust
Donna and Philip Stover
Karen S. Wood-Nackard
Ray and Sue York
Grady Gammage Society
Anonymous
Doug Ball and Connie Stine
Karen and Gary Bethune
Joe and Rose Circello
Sasha and Christopher Clements
Crystal Family Foundation
Lee Eberle and Lisa Vivian
Dr. and Mrs. Steven Farber
Mary Farrington-Lorch and Martin Lorch*
Sophia and Mike Fong
Vicki Gibbons
Neil G. Giuliano
Davie Glaser In Loving Memory of David H. Glaser
Carl and Patricia Harris*
Marilyn and Paul Harter
Ralph and Ellen Hirsch
Renee and Philip Hoffman*
David N. Horowitz and Damon J. Bolling
Thomas P. Houlihan and Genevieve M. Houlihan
Mike Hughes and Dr. Kevin Mendivil*
Margot and Dennis
Knight
John Kras and Timothy Walling
Bill and Stacey Langhofer
Aaron and Brenda LaTowsky
Barbara and Don Leffler
Richard S. and Rae Love
Jeffrey D. Oliver
Sandie and Hollis Phillips
Linda and Chuck Redman
Richard and Christy Schust
The Scollick Family
Enid and Michael Seiden*
Lorri and Stephen Smith
Tiller Family Foundation
Kerry Turner
Marsha and Charles Van Dam*
Patrick and Amy Vance
Michelle and Henry Villeda*
Greg Yagi and Alan Paulson
Patrick H. Zanzucchi
Barbara and Barry Zemel
Kathryn Gammage Circle
AADS Office Solutions Int’l, LLC and Kathleen Cullen
Mariana and Richard Abelson
The Abrams Family
Helene and Marshall Abrahams
Nancy and Warren Alter*
Anderson, Chavet and Anderson Inc.
Donna and Jim Anderson
Andrew Family Foundation
Rhet and Marcia Andrews
Anonymous
Felice Appell
Tran and Glenn Appell
Linda and Richard Avner
Kevin Axx
James and Sandra Bach
Lory Baraz and Robert Zucker
Lisa and Harley Barnes, Jr.
Craig and Barbara Barrett
Bassett Family
The Beattie Family
The Julie Bennett Family In Memory of Michael
Kristy and David Benton
Barbara, Irv and Jeremy Berger*
Mr. and Mrs. John Berry
Max and Laura Bessler
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Bickes, Jr.
Leslie and Alan Bird
Col. Jody Blanchfield
The Blunck Family
Jon and Jennifer Bohnert
BOK Financial
Tara and Todd Bookspan
Teresa and Mark Borota
Dr. Robert and Lorrin
Bowser
Kelly Brandt
Michael and Sarah Braun
Shirley F. Brown and Fred L. Brown
Steve and Belinda Brown
In Honor of Debra Burk
Carrie and Daniel
Burkes
Elizabeth Burm
Greg and Sarah Byrne
Robert Caldwell II and Rebecca PelbergCaldwell
Lou and Melissa Caramucci
Linda Carneal
Carstens Family Funds
Matt and Jill Casperson
Causenta Wellness and Cancer Care Center
Children’s Dental Village
Helen Cho
Dan Churgin
Traci and Philip Cilliers
Marilee and David Clarke
Lee Baumann Cohn and Mike Cohn
Dr. and Mrs. Lance Cohen
John H. Cole III M.D. and Patrick T. Boyhan
Angela and David Conwell
Michael Cordova and Patricia Quinn
Andrea and Matt Cowley
James L. Cramer and Allen C. Kalchik
Barbara Crisp and Mark Nemschoff
Eileen Curtin
Ellen and Andy Dauscher
Beth and Ed Dawkins
Nancy Dean and Lorree Ratto
In Loving Memory of Terry DeBoer and Cody Meckstroth*
Mr. and Mrs. Tom DeBonis
Amena Deluca, MD and David Jackson, MD
Bette DeGraw
Dr. Mindi and Anthony D’Elia
Teresa and Michael Dempsey
In Loving Memory of Laurie Dennhardt*
Brenda and Gary Deutsch
Dr. Wendy Dickerson
Erika and Russ Dickey
Jackie and James Disney
Robert Donat
C.P. and Elizabeth
Drewett
Michael Drexler
Carmen and Mike Duffek
David Dyer
Andrea and Jerome Elwell
Cynthia Emmons
Daniel Eng
Michele and Chris
England
Virgina and Ron Erhardt
Michele and Michael Etheridge
Ardie and Steve Evans
Jane P. Evans
Ray and Bettijune Fanning*
Wendy and Skip Farrell
Allyson and Justin Fernstrom
Susan and John Fisher
For Those Without A Voice
Sandra J. Fromm*
Mimi and Sandford
Furman
Kathleen Gariboldi and Denis Fallon
JO Finks
Angela and Christopher Fylak
Karen and Grady
Gammage Jr.
Kyla and Michael Garrison*
Eric Gehrig and Naru
Patani
Andy and Carolyn Gilb
Mrs. Saul Ginsberg
Ed Grabowski
John and Deanne Greco
Kimberly and John Grubb
Joan and Al Gudriks
Gretchen and Jim Haahr
D. Hall, PhD
Sharon and Ollie Harper
Nora and Tim Hart
Jonathan Hendrickson
Beth and Bill Hicks
Katie and Tim Hill
24 VOLUME 36 | 2023
ASU Gammage VIP Donor Club continued
Jacki and Charles Hoagland
Andrea and Herbert Hodes
Bruce Hopkins and Carol Walters
Jacqueline HuffordJensen and Greg Kroening
Christine Hughes
The Ironwood Foundation
Tara and Nikhil lyengar
Jaburg and Wilk, P.C.
Bonnie and William Jaeger
Kim Jameson and Jon Ann Hockersmith
Colleen JenningsRoggensack and Dr. Kurt Roggensack*
Dr. Lyndy Jones
Peggy R. Joslin and Nicholas Joslin
Jane and Tom Joynt
Brian and Terri Katz
The Keller Family
The Kerr Family
Norman and Teresa Klein Family
Stacy and Alan Klibanoff*
Shirley Kruger
Michelle Laiss-Lipner*
Patricia and Mark Landay
Cheryl and Mickey Laurent
Deb and Frank Law
Machrina and Dale Leach*
Mark Leeper
Kathy and Albert Leffler
Hope and Steven Leibsohn
Katie and Mark Leinweber
Edward and Emily Lesser
Herb and Nancy Lienenbrugger
Fuyu Lin and Samuel Anderson
Regan and Rigo Lopez
Keli and Kurt Luther
Ronaldo Luanzon and William Jeffery
Kalidas and Darlene Madhavpeddi Foundation
Bonnie Maffi, Julia Burke, Nancy Singer and Marci Symington
Kristen and Doug Magnuson
Chad Makovsky and Stephanie Hurd
Mike C. Malloy and Shandee Chernow
Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Mandell
Dr. Celia Maneri*
Ana and Hans Maron
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Marotta
In Loving Memory of Caleb Joseph Martinez
Paul Mashani
Steve and Rhonda Maun
Cathy Mazur
Elisabeth and Kevin McCord
Leslie McDonnell In Memory of Jack McDonnell
Christopher McDowell and John Warford
Kasia and Patrick McPhilomy
Geri and Christopher Mette
David Meyer and Elite Cleaners
Mary and Kurt Meyer
Penina and Tommy Meyer
Bruce Meyerson and Mary Ellen Simonson
Kathleen A. Mickle, Karen B. Roth and Erica Lloyd
Paulette and Michael Miller
Lina and Raymond Mogensen
Lesley and Paul Monfardini
Kathleen and Barry Monheit
Larry and Virginia Morrison
Teresa and James Mortensen
Loraine and Jim Mottern
Dawn and John Mulligan
Rafael and Mary Munoz
Christine and Frank Nechvatal
Vickie and Ron Neill
Dick and Jane Neuheisel
Karen Nordstrand*
Diane and Steve Norris
Eric Novack and Tracy Contant
Linda and Kevin Olson
Lisa and James Olson
R.G. Olson PhD and Peggy Steele
Arthur and Linda Pelberg
Jill Ormond & Jay Kramer
Mr. and Mrs. Enrique Ortega
Darcy and Mark Ortiz
Frank and Ginny
Palamara
Leah Pallin-Hill and Bryan Hill
Papp Family Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Patterson
Kathy and Dwight Peters
Pat Piazza
Jennifer and Noah Plumb
MaryLee and Glen Poole
Practice Strategies
The Prygocki Family
Susan and Mike Pucelik
Dr. Carolyn Ragatz and Mr. Phillip Ragatz*
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Rawlings
Kristina Reese and Chris
Reese
Jeff and Leslie Rich
Keri and Steven Richardson
Suzanne and Nick Rinker*
Dr. Lynn Robershotte and Bryce Franz
Ilana and Alan Roga
John, Dee and Paul Rogers
Larry and Lisa Rogoff
Mario Trejo Romero and G. Lewis Penrose
Mitchell and Heather Ross
Dr. Kyle Rowland
Susan and Gil Rudolph
Norm and Pam Saba
Judy and Harold Samloff
Larry and Cathy Sanders
Bryan and Katherine Sandler and Janis Merrill
Dr. Joel Schein and Dr. Diana LaulainenSchein
Ellen and Paul Schifman
Lyrna and Michael Schoon
Paul and Jan Schrage
Ursula and Rick Schultz
Jesse and Jennifer Schwarz
Tamara Scrivner and Bill and Kathy Aichele
Mr. and Mrs. Danny Sharaby/Tickets
Unlimited
Carolyn and William Shine III
Michele Shipitofsky and Eric Rosenberg
Jeffrey and Deborah Smith
Spracale Family
Frances and Unni Sreekumar
Dr. Cheri St. Arnauld
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Starkman
Judith and Louis Stein
Dr. Barry and Judith Stern
Morgan Stewart and Barbara Page
Cheryl Sucato
Sheri and Tim Tapia
Brinley Thomas and Charles Bentley
Mollie C. Trivers
Melissa Trudelle
UMB Bank
Mark and Lynn Vanderlinde/ VRealty Advisors
Susan Van Dyke MD
Dr. Robert and Julia Wacloff
Dale and Sheryl Wanek
Col. Alexander Warschaw
Suzanne and Craig Weaver
Jolene and Harv Weisblat
Philanthropic Fund of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Leesa and George Weisz
Gary and Kristi West
Maidie G. Westlie
Jana and Mark Wilcke*
Christine and Emery Wiggs
Todd and Tammy Wilkening
Dr. Brian and Dawn Williams
Wyatt and Bobbi Wood
Martha Scales Zachary
In Loving Memory of Charlie Zarrelli*
Directors Club
Access Buyers Security Mortgage
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Anonymous
Meng Ansley
Anthom Foundation
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Char and Alan Augenstein
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In Memory of Margaret
Ann Beardsley
Karen Beckvar and David Sprentall
Chris and Dana Benner
Gina and Gregory Berman
E.M. Berry
Amy and Robert Bessen
Michelle and David Bianchi
Helen Bigham
Scot and Dawn Bingman
Suzanne and David Black*
Michelle and John Bonano
The Bonnett Family
Kelley, John and Justin Bonowski
Adam Bowman
Melissa and Jonathan Boyd
Gail Bradley
Kelly Brandt
Elna M. Brown
Patti and Rick Brown
Stephanie and Brad Butler*
Frank and Karen Buntschuh
In Memory of Jewel Burdsal
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Byers
Cathy and John Calhoun
Elaine and Paul Campbell
Dr. Caroline Carney and Mr. Nick Adamakis
Joy Caton, BSN
Kent Cattani
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Chan Family
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Damore
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Danley
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DePrez
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Donna Dichiaro In Memory of Bob Dichiaro
Dilemma Hair Salon
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Donahoe
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25 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE
Garrett
Barbara and Gregory Geidel
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M. Geiger
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Joe and Helen Goldblatt
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Vicki Greener
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Jill and Jim Gruler
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Daniel Hepworth
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Judy Sera-Windell and Robert Windell
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Sims
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Strumpf
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Toby Teret Taylor
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Patti and Mark Tucker
Chris and Diane Unanue
Steven Urke
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Doug Walters
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Phyl Wason*
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Robert Whyte
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Joseph Zavislak
Supporting Members
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Janet Bioletto
Neva and Jim Bochenek
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Ann Chafoulias
Rhonda Elifritz-Rix
Patricia Fimbres
Rhonda Fournier
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Betty Hum
Michelle Louise Johnson
In Memory of Jeffrey Killoren
Sue Klein
Jo Krueger
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Eve and Jim Morse
Ali Odeh
Timbra and Kevin Peace
Valleria Pickett
Polly Pinney and Connie Dierks
Jacob Schwarz
Elvia Senter and Norman Buckner, Jr.
Sherri Tanis
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Vicky and James Van Dyke
In Loving Memory of Vicky Van Dyke by Elna Brown, Mary LaRue Walker, Robbyn McDowell
VIP Tours of New York LLC
Yubeta Family
Contributing Members
Ted Allmon
Teresa Amabisca
Louis F. and Barbra Burres Anderson
Linda Austin
Kristin Bean
William Becker
Jeremy Bennington
George and Mary Ann Bradbury
Burton Cagen PC
Phillip Catone and Nicholas Catone
Hercules Dellas
Janet Dixon and JoAn Tonniges
Jill Ford
Alyssa Ann Goldstein
Sharon and Thomas Gregory
Ellin Abbot Hayes
Elaine and George Heredia
Twanda Hill
Chris Hurst and Roxanne Stockton
Michelle Kauk
Kerry Kuehn and Chad Biffle
William and Linda Langer
Steven Lofgren and Kelsey Mohn
Judith Mente
Kris Mietzner
Valleria Pickett
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Pugsley
Nathalie Rennell
Leslie Standerfer
JoAn Tonniges and Janet Dixon
Jo and Don Wilson
Stacy Wince
Meg and Jim Wolfe
Duane Wooten
Judith Yates
ASU Gammage wishes to thank the hundreds of donors who are not listed due to space limitations.
26 VOLUME 36 | 2023
PO Box 870205
Tempe, AZ 85287-0205
480-965-5062
asugammage.com
Be a part of commissioning the world premiere at ASU Gammage!
Saturday, Nov. 4
THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA
Paola Prestini/Beth Morrison Projects
Based on the book by Ernest Hemingway, “The Old Man and the Sea” is an opera by Paola Prestini, Royce Vavrek and Karmina Šilec that presents a dual track of storytelling by combining the Hemingway text with original portraits of quotidian life to create a look at aging, legacy and our relationship to oceans. The work includes longtime collaborators/muses of Prestini’s including Helga Davis as the narrator and Jeffrey Zeigler as the featured cellist.
For donations contact Peter Means at 480-965-6059.