ASU Gammage Inner Circle Magazine Volume 9 by ASU Gammage

ASU GAMMAGE

INNER CIRCLE Volume 9 | Spring 2016 SPECIAL EDITION

asugammage.com

ASU GAMMAGE AND SUN DEVIL ATHLETICS PARTNER TO BRING THE BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION

SNEAK PEEK AT RENDERINGS OF THE ASU GAMMAGE RENOVATIONS

THE GAMMY AND JERRY AWARDS

CONTENTS 4 The Future Look of ASU Gammage

6 The Gammy and Jerry Awards Dinner and the 2016-2017 Season Announce Event

8 Major Gifts To Date

10 Angels Over ASU

12 Heroes Night 2015 CO N T E N T S

13 ASU Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee Honors Civil Right Leaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legacy

14 VIP Event Photos

16 The Abbett Family Foundation: Our Youth, Our Future

18 Please Remove Your Nametag for Photos: A Profile on Michelle Johnson

20 ASU Tops U.S. News & World Report List of Most Innovative Schools

22 Catching Up With Arizona Native Krystina Alabado

Photo: Kari Amarosso

50TH ANNIVERSARY LEADERSHIP BOARD

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack

Pat Langlin-Brazil

Then Sings My Soul at ASU Kerr ASU Gammage VIP Club

William Ahearn

Albert Leffler

Jerry Appell (in memoriam)

Michael Manning

Felice Appell

Sarah Nolan

JO Finks

Leslie & Jeff Rich, Co-Chairs

Grady Gammage, Jr.

Bill Way

ASU Gammage VIP Club Benefits

Laurie & Chuck Goldstein

Mary Way, Co-Chair

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

28 Upcoming VIP Events

SUPPORT NEEDED FOR CRITICAL UPDATES

EXTERIOR RENDER 4 DAY

ASU GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM RENOVATION

EXTERIOR RENDER 3 DAY

ASU GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM RENOVATION

EXTERIOR RENDER 2 DAY

The other amazing part of this campaign is the addition of 70 ladies’ restrooms. The restroom additions will revolutionize the experience of patrons at ASU Gammage. Women will finally have all of the restrooms they need. People come to theater for a variety of reasons and relaxation is one of them. We are looking forward to lifting the stress of restroom lines for our patrons. We are also increasing restroom capacity for our patrons with ADA needs. We have been working arduously on fund-raising to be able to start construction this summer, but still need investment from our patrons to make this a reality. These critical updates need your support to happen. We ask that you consider making an additional gift this spring to ensure that we complete this project. All gifts are being matched for a limited time. Thank you for being a vital part of our success and helping us with this effort.

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack Executive Director for ASU Gammage and Associate Vice President Cultural Affairs for ASU

D I R E C TO R ’ S S P OT LI G H T

The campaign includes the addition of two new elevators, which will dramatically improve access for all who visit the theater by allowing patrons to travel to every level of the theater. I am also very excited for the elevators to give a fresh breath of life to one of my favorite places in the venue, the Promenade. Our Promenade is an amazingly beautiful space that is ideal for receptions and the perfect gathering place during events. The space overlooks beautiful Tempe and boasts one the most amazing sunsets in the city. But the lack of an elevator Above: Renderings of the future look of ASU Gammage. For more renderings, visit page 4. has limited many patrons from taking advantage of this incredible space. I can’t wait to see what types of events we can do on the Promenade once all of our patrons can access it with the addition of elevators.

Photo: Tim Trumble

ASU GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM RENOVATION

A presenter always takes pride in their venue. It is the building that houses all the programs, shows and magic that an organization brings. Having led ASU Gammage for more than 20 years, I’ve seen a lot of amazing moments in our grand theater. I am so proud of all the work we have been able to do in our beautiful and iconic building. But age will take its toll on a theater. For many years I have had a dream to take this architectural gem and give it a little polish and a few modern conveniences. We are so close to making that dream a reality with our Elevate and Alleviate campaign.

“For many years I have had a dream to take this architectural gem and give it a little polish and a few modern conveniences.”

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE Volume 9 | Spring 2016 SPECIAL EDITION Executive Editor: Colleen Jennings-Roggensack Editor In Chief and Project Manager: Theresa Dickerson Managing Editor: Victor Hamburger Creative Director: Sarah Moore Editorial Team: Kari Amarosso, Cheryl Amick, Michelle Johnson CAP-OM, Erica Lin Contributing Writers: Kari Amarosso, David M. Brown, Jennifer Haaland, Savanah Yaghsezian

Cover Photo: The cast of BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE. Photo: Peter Vander Stoep

VOLUME 9 | 2016

THE FUTURE LOOK OF ASU GAMMAGE

E LE VAT E & A LLE V I AT E

These are renderings of the future renovations of ASU Gammage. These changes include adding womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restrooms and elevators that will increase the accessibility of the venue, while keeping the integrity of this historic Frank Lloyd Wright designed building.

ASU GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM RENOVATION | EXTERIOR RENDER DUSK for greater accessibility for all patrons. The installation of the bathroom and elevator tower will 3allow

ASU GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM RENOVATION EXTERIORto RENDER 1 DUSK in the orchestra level. Restrooms on the first floor will allow for| access all patrons

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

480.965.1910 • asugammage.com/elevateandalleviate

E LE VAT E & A LLE V I AT E

ASU GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM | INTERIOR RENDER 70 new women’s restrooms willRENOVATION be installed.

New donor wall to acknowledge major gifts to the Golden Gammage Initiative

To help ASU Gammage achieve its goal for the Golden Gammage Initiative or to see your name on this wall, please contact 480.965.1910 or visit asugammage.com/elevateandalleviate VOLUME 9 | 2016

G A M M Y & J E R RY AWA R D S

Photo: Tim Trumble

THE GAMMY AND JERRY AWARDS DINNER AND THE 2016-2017 SEASON ANNOUNCE EVENT ASU Gammage prepares to fête Valley arts champions and remarkable community leaders, Mary and Bill Way (both members of the ASU Gammage 50th Anniversary Leadership Board; Mary also serves as its Co-Chair), and the illustrious Cerveris family, including Michael Edward Cerveris – Founding Chair of the Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance Department, ASU West; Marisa Cerveris – Fashion designer and former Broadway and New York City Ballet dancer; Todd Cerveris – leading professional Broadway, feature film, and television actor; and two-time Tony Award®-winning Broadway star, Michael Ernest Cerveris, at this year’s Gammy and Jerry Awards Dinner. On Monday evening, March 21, 2016, the Phoenix arts community will come together to raise a glass in honor of this year’s Gammy and Jerry Awards recipients on the ASU Gammage Promenade. The honorees are made up of two extraordinary families who have made a monumental impact on the arts in Arizona and around the world … “(those who) exemplify the mission of ASU Gammage—Connecting Communities™—through their hard work and dedication,” says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Executive Director for ASU Gammage and Associate Vice President Cultural Affairs for ASU.

The Gammy Award – The Cerveris Family “We are incredibly thrilled to honor the Cerveris family. Much like the Barrymores, their gene pool is steeped in creativity and talent,” continued Jennings-Roggensack as she shared her admiration for the Gammy Award recipients. This return to ASU marks a true homecoming for the Cerveris family, having all worked on Michael Cerveris’ (père) critically acclaimed ASU WEST production of “L’Histoire du Soldat” in 1999 which starred his children, Marisa (tapped by George Balanchine himself for the New York City Ballet, Broadway dancer and current designer and CEO of her dance, fitness and lifestyle wear: SteelCore/By Marisa), Todd (an ASU Gammage favorite having starred on the ASU Gammage stage in the national tours of 12 ANGRY MEN and SPRING AWAKENING as well as Broadway’s triumphant SOUTH PACIFIC at Lincoln Center), and Michael (fils) – Broadway superstar, recording artist, and film and television actor. Michael (fils) is truly Broadway royalty, from his Tony Award®-winning performances in FUN HOME and ASSASSINS to the many times he has breathed fresh life into revivals EVITA, HEDDA GABLER and SWEENEY TODD. He is that rare type of actor that once he puts his stamp on a role it is hard to picture anyone else playing it, as he also did in TOMMY and TITANIC. 6

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

Michael Cerveris in the Tony Award®-winning FUN HOME. Photo by Jenny Anderson.

The Jerry Award – Mary and Bill Way The Jerry Award is named after the late Jerry Appell, who set the gold standard of dedication to ASU Gammage. The Ways are no exception. This special award in Jerry’s name will be given to Mary and Bill, whose efforts and leadership have made a significant impact on the arts in our community and ASU Gammage.

G A M M Y & J E R RY AWA R D S

“Mary and Bill Way exemplify true connectors of communities and truly believe art matters,” says Jennings-Roggensack as she shared her gratitude for the Jerry Award recipients. “Their support has enabled the greater Phoenix metropolitan area (and the state of Arizona) to engage in new commissioned work by incredible artists such as Tony Award®-winning, MacArthur Genius, and Kennedy Center Honoree, Bill T. Jones. Their dedication has enabled ASU Gammage to nurture the next generation of young artists through residencies, master classes and workshops. Bill’s involvement and Mary's leadership of the ASU Gammage 50th Anniversary Leadership Board has served to help sustain ASU Gammage for the next 50 years. “We in the entire arts community are indebted to the Ways for keeping art and culture at the forefront,” Jennings-Roggensack concludes. “ASU Gammage allows us to experience art as a community. To build bridges and a sense of trust and understanding; which is needed now more than Bill & Mary Way ever,” Mary and Bill Way expressed when asked about the honor. True arts champions, they speak of the community impact. “ASU Gammage and the arts are essential to the health and vitality of our communities and our nation. They improve the quality of life in our cities.”

The Event Peter Means, Senior Director of Development for Arts and Design at ASU, explains the importance of this upcoming event for ASU Gammage. He states, “The Gammy and Jerry Awards represent an opportunity to create a tradition in the Valley that recognizes ASU Gammage’s place within the cultural fabric of our local communities, and the important symbiotic role that ASU Gammage plays in keeping our nation’s performing arts and artists strong, vibrant and relevant. The arts have always played a significant role in recording history, creating social cohesion and addressing social issues. It is humbling to realize that ASU Gammage is a leader in making sure that live art continues, while also entertaining hundreds of thousands of people every year. The Gammy and Jerry Awards celebrate that by shining a light on important artists who have been connected to ASU Gammage and important philanthropists who have helped make it possible for ASU Gammage to be a leader in the arts.” Following the dinner, ASU Gammage will announce the 2016-2017 Broadway season with performances direct from New York. Dinner attendees will have a private backstage reception following the announcement event. l Beth Reynolds • elizabeth.reynolds@asu.edu All proceeds from the Gammy and Jerry Awards Dinner will benefit the Golden Gammage Initiative. Dinner seating is limited. Please call 480.965.3916 to reserve your table or seat. Above: Mary Way, Anthony Rapp and Bill Way at the IF/THEN VIP Cast Party. Photo: Tim Trumble Colleen Jennings-Roggensack with Michael Ceveris after the 2015 Tony Awards® Ceremony.

VOLUME 9 | 2016

E LE VAT E & A LLE V I AT E

Rendering of future look of ASU Gammage

MAJOR GIFTS TO DATE | EXTERIOR RENDER 4 DUSK $3 million and above Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation

ASU GAMMAGE AUDITORIUM RENOVATION

$2,999,999 – $1,000,000 Arizona State University Broadway Across America $999,999 – $250,000 George Brazil Home Services Laurie & Chuck Goldstein Margaret T. Morris Foundation Ticketmaster $249,999 - $100,000 Sue & William Ahearn Jerry Appell Eileen Bloechl Patricia Langlin-Brazil Mary & Bill Way $99,999 - $50,000 Andrew Family Foundation Janet & Douglas Baughman Lee Bowman JO & Harvey Finks John Peter Harries J. W. Kieckhefer Foundation Sarah Nolan 8

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

$49,999 - $10,000

Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation Christine & Rod Badgley Reginald M. Ballantyne III Carmen & Michael Blank John Breeding Jeffrey & Marcia Buzzella Renee Cermak & Fred Auzenne Marilee & David Clarke James L. Cramer & Allen C. Kalchik Joan Cremin Eileen Curtin Janet & Clive Cussler Laurie Dennhardt & Anna de Jesus Don Dotts Susan & Steven Farber Karen & Grady Gammage, Jr. John Gore Halbriech Foundation Rojon & Jay Hasker Colleen Jennings-Roggensack & Kurt Roggensack Pat Kaufman Sharron & Delbert Lewis Rae & Richard Love Doreen & Michael Manning Rhonda & Steve Maun Merrily Metzger Marcia & Andrew Meyer Lesley & Paul Monfardini Jeff Oliver Leah Pallin-Hill & Bryan Hill Dr. Coral Quiet/Arizona Breast Cancer Specialists Julie & Rod Rebello Leslie & Jeff Rich Lisa & Larry Rogoff Jana & Charles Sample Enid & Michael Seiden Mollie C. Trivers & Shelley M. Cohn Jana & Mark Wilcke Barbara & Barry Zemel

Help us complete funding for these critical improvements to ASU Gammage!

$9 Million $8.5 Million $8 Million $7.5 Million $7 Million

ASU Gammage needs to raise $2 million before April 1, 2016 to be able to begin construction this Summer! Just two thousand patrons making $1,000 gifts will get us to our goal! All gifts count and are appreciated. Your support is necessary to complete these vital upgrades to keep ASU Gammage as the premiere destination for the Arts in the Arizona! Please make a donation today by calling 480.965.1910 or online at asugammage.com/elevateandalleviate

E LE VAT E & A LLE V I AT E

$6.5 Million $6 Million $5.5 Million $5 Million $4.5 Million $4 Million $3.5 Million $3 Million $2.5 Million $2 Million $1.5 Million $2.5 Million ASU Matching Funds Funds raised by Elevate & Alleviate through January 2016

$1 Million $.5 Million

VOLUME 9 | 2016

B L AC K A N G E L S OV E R T U S K E G E E

Photos: Peter Vander Stoep

ANGELS OVER ASU •

By Jennifer Haaland

“I always keep my ear to the ground about the arts buzz, and this time I was listening to Buffie Anderson,” says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Executive Director for ASU Gammage and Associate Vice President Cultural Affairs for ASU. “She and husband Ray, Ray Anderson who is the Vice President for University Athletics and Athletics Director, had seen BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE several times and suggested we explore ways for our ASU family to see it.” Ray Anderson, who Jennings-Roggensack describes as “a true Renaissance Man” says, “I've seen BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE probably six times myself. You feel so moved to share it in the presence of folks you care about.” “See? He coaches, he leads, and he engages in art,” JenningsRoggensack says, “He practices true cross-disciplinary learning.”

So began this partnership of humanities between ASU Gammage and Sun Devil Athletics. The partnership is one that builds leaders while it creates and disseminates art. Recognizing that art, telling human stories through a variety of mediums, is what bonds us to one another and inspires us. Jennings-Roggensack and the Andersons started dreaming. Ray Anderson explains, “We wanted an opportunity to provide our senior athletic and spirit students with a Senior Experience that will expose them to something that they wouldn't otherwise get to see.” This January's experience had roots in a New York playwright's connection to a group of WWII African American heroes. Layon Gray says he realized eight years ago he wanted to write the BLACK ANGELS play when he was watching TV as President Bush awarded Medals of Honor to the original Tuskegee Airmen who had flown missions in Europe during World War II. “When I told my best friend I wanted to write a play about the Tuskegee honorees, he said, ‘You know a retired Airman lives just around the corner from you, right?’” "And you know what? That airman talked about brotherhood,” continues Gray, who not only wrote and directed the show, but has also always played a central role—Quenten—in the small ensemble cast. “He didn't have a lot to say about the award or about meeting the president. What he told me about was how they [the African Americans who challenged the WWII white Airforce pilot norm] were considered less than human by the military when they started.” Fellow actor in the cast Melvin Huffnagle, who plays the emotionally reluctant pilot Jeremiah, anticipated the kind of connection Sun Devil athletes and military members might

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

L-R: Ray and Buffie Anderson, Colleen Jennings-Roggensack and Kurt Roggensack

have based on his own initial impression of the show. “On my very first reading of the script five years ago I was literally in tears. What any actor wants, the kind of challenge and truth we search for, was handed to me on a plate.” “The greatest compliment I felt we ever got was total silence,” Gray recounts about his show that emphasizes how teamwork and perseverance can triumph in the most adverse situations.

Since its launch six years ago, BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE has continually gained notoriety and a wider audience, including special performances for the Tuskegee Airmen to which Gray referred and NFL teams like the Bills (2015) and the Jets (2012). “The play was extraordinary!” recalls Jennings-Roggensack about seeing Black Angels for the first time last year. “It was playing Off-Broadway, in the basement of a church.” The show's impact reverberated on campus last month in a similar fashion. The first of three Galvin Playhouse performances on campus was packed with the senior student-athletes. Along with their support system and their leadership, the ASU athletes sat in awed focus during one of the drama's early, moving moments that reached far beyond the parameters of the play: The Tuskegee-Army-Air-Force-pilots-to-be were awaiting the written entrance exam required of airmen trainees, a setting all too familiar to the ASU students, both in the classroom and in their athletic endeavors. With anxiety running as high as their dreams, one of the young cadets onstage described the magic of being airborne. Using words that colored all five cadets' aspirations to become airmen on account of how the

accomplishment would elevate them as individuals, as role models for all African Americans, and as countrymen, he breathed, “It feels like freedom.” Earlier in the evening, Anderson's accomplished wife and arts advocate, Buffie Anderson, had introduced the play with timely aplomb noting, “My friend Layon Gray personifies the message in Dr. King's ‘Measure of a Man’ sermon. That is, ‘The ultimate measure of a man is ... where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’” Her introduction to the outstanding story presented by Layon Gray's emotionally charged play followed ASU's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts Dean Stephen Tepper's remarks before the houselights at the ASU Galvin Playhouse dimmed. Tepper, noting a similar strength of character in the Sun Devil Athletic Department leadership had noted, “I don't think there's another college athletics director in the country who would take the initiative to include art in programming.”

B L AC K A N G E L S OV E R T U S K E G E E

“We were performing the show in Vegas for the actual Tuskegee Airmen. When it ended? There was complete silence for a long pause. Then came the roar of applause,” remembers Gray. “When the Airmen did talk to us after the show, what we heard was, ‘You told our story right. What the history books say is different. You told our story right.’”

And yet, next on the horizon for the New American University model that Arizona State has pioneered is an arts and athletics initiative featuring the country's first college campus to launch an arts driven intervention against sexual violence, with Ray Anderson leading the charge. That's the kind of leadership and action that happens when Sun Devil Athletics and ASU Gammage leaders get together. In addition to the the performance for senior student-athletes, there was a performance for local school children as well as a performance for military and veterans. Making this run even more incredible were the attendance of Francis Davis whose dearly departed husband was a pilot and Walter Richardson, II whose father was a mechanic for the original Tuskegee Airmen. Seeing their reaction to the story was enough for every audience member to be moved by the historical work. “Man, Buffie is my personal agent. I am forever in her debt,” laughs Gray. “Through her and Colleen and Ray we all have a new opportunity. The leadership message is important for athletes, because the airmen story is about bonding, about love. It's really a love story that instills values like looking out for each other and trusting, having each other's backs.” l

VOLUME 9 | 2016

H E RO E S N I G H T

HEROES NIGHT 2015 As children we looked up to heroes who were in literature, comic books and movies. We idolized their strength, their bravery and the values for which they stood. We dreamed what it would be like to meet these heroes, to hear their stories and to be in the presence of their greatness. What makes someone a hero? They are heroes because in times of trial they do not bow down or out. Instead, they step up. They make sacrifices on behalf of others. They defend those who need defending. As adults we have come to realize that heroes can be found beyond books and movies. They live in our neighborhoods and communities, and make selfless sacrifices everyday for our freedom. ASU Gammage’s heroes are the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. For the past five years, ASU Gammage has hosted Heroes Night, one special night a year where we honor these heroes and their families. We stop and say “thank you” to those who give so much to preserve the freedom that we hold so dearly. This event is a night for the military and their families to come to ASU Gammage to enjoy a show, build camaraderie with their fellow service members and be treated to a reception in their honor, all at no cost to them. This year, ASU Gammage hosted this special event during the Thanksgiving Day performance of A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL. More than 400 military members participated. “Thanksgiving is a day that we reflect on what we are thankful for. We thought it would be a perfect opportunity for us to thank the people who we owe so much and with a show that tells a story that is so iconic and perfect for the family,” said Victor Hamburger, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. As families arrived, they were treated to Thanksgiving treats and coffee on the beautiful ASU Gammage promenade. As the guests sampled their pumpkin pie and sipped their coffee they were able to enjoy the company of their fellow service members, both active duty and retired.

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

Photos: Tim Trumble

As the lights dimmed, the guests made their way into the theater. The spotlight was on the stage as the ASU Army ROTC Color Guard, members of A CHRISTMAS STORY cast and Victor Hamburger took the stage. The cast and Hamburger thanked all the military and their families for their service. They asked all military members to rise to be recognized. The audience roared with gratitude as these heroes were saluted for their brave service. Then with the color guard presenting the colors as ASU Army ROTC cadet Crystal Hernandez sang the National Anthem, the audience stood with hands over their hearts to pay respect to the country that they love. Heroes Night is truly a special night. It is not every day that you have the opportunity to thank the heroes that keep you safe. This program is just a small token of ASU Gammage’s huge gratitude for the selfless sacrifices these heroes and their families make every day. Heroes Night is made possible by American Airlines, APS, The Arizona Lottery, Macys, George Brazil Home Services, USAA, Western Refining and VETTIX. For more information on Heroes Night or ways to support all our military programs at ASU Gammage, please contact Theresa Dickerson at 480.965.1967. l Theresa Dickerson • theresa.dickerson@asu.edu

ASU DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMITTEE HONORS CIVIL RIGHT LEADER’S LEGACY

Arizona State University hosted its 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration with tributes and recognition of Dr. King and the achievements of the civil rights movement. This celebration has existed at ASU since before the creation of a state holiday in Arizona. The 2016 ASU Dr. MLK Jr. Committee brought the community and students together with a campus march, rally, volunteer events and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration that included an awards ceremony for two Servant-Leadership Awardees and the K-12 student winners of the statewide essay-poster contest. Guests were also treated to a special excerpt performance from the Off-Broadway production of BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE. The mission of the ASU Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee is to celebrate the legacy and the tenets set forth by Dr. King and his life examples of servant leadership. Servant leadership is a practical philosophy which supports people who choose to serve first, and then lead as a way of expanding service to individuals and institutions. Servant leadership encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening and the ethical use of power and empowerment. The ASU Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee encourages the continuation of Dr. King's legacy all year long. “We are recognizing two remarkable women as this year’s ServantLeadership Awardees,” says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, ASU Dr. MLK Jr. Committee chair and Executive Director for ASU Gammage and Associate Vice President Cultural Affairs for ASU. “Fatimah Halim and Jasmine Anglen demonstrate strength and passion. Their work has significantly made a difference in the community and show why they are so deserving of this honor.” l Kari Amarosso • kari.amarosso@asu.edu

2016 COMMUNITY SERVANTLEADERSHIP AWARDEE Fatimah Halim is an artist born into a family of writers, storytellers and musicians. She has garnered success as a Special Events Coordinator, professional performance artist, pop vocalist, ethnic dancer, and inspirational author and speaker. Her dedication to promoting the development of women and girls is evident in her Rites of Passage Program and her contributions to Journey Home at Estrella Women’s Jail. Fatimah’s work and passion have served to enhance the cultural image of Arizona on a national level.

H O N O R I N G D R . M A R T I N LU T H E R K I N G , J R .

Thousands of people came together to celebrate the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during several university-wide events in January.

2016 STUDENT SERVANTLEADERSHIP AWARDEE Jasmine Anglen is a Finance and Management dual-major at Barrett, The Honors College and the W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU. Her business acumen and organizational skills have made a significant difference in several local service-based projects. She thrives by helping small businesses that are committed to making a difference in the community. Anglen is the founder and president of the non-profit All Walks Project, which provides rehabilitation programs to survivors of sex trafficking in Arizona.

L-R: Fatimah Halim, Colleen Jennings-Roggensack and Jasmine Anglen.

Photos, from top: Martin Luther King, Jr. student rally at Tempe Campus. L-R: Lamar Cheston, BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE cast member; Bill Norwood, Bob Ashby and Asa Herring from Archer-Ragdale Arizona Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen; and David Roberts, BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE cast member. Photos: Kari Amarosso

VOLUME 9 | 2016

V I P E V E N T P H OTOS

IF/THEN VIP CAST PARTY

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

1. L to R: James Snyder (Josh), Char Augenstein, Taylor Davis and Alan Augenstein 2. Alexis Trumble with Anthony Rapp (Lucas) 3. L to R: Carl and Patricia Harris, Kyra Faith (Elena), Jill and Gloria Pierce-Garcia 4. Tinsley Andrews with LaChanze (Kate) 5. L to R: Cynthia Emmons, Patricia Logan and LaChanze (Kate) 6. James Snyder (Josh) with Kathryn Christmann

V I P E V E N T P H OTOS

IF/THEN VIP Cast Party at P.F. Changâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chinese Bistro

7. L to R: Susan Anderson and Kim Anderson seeking autographs from James Snyder (Josh) and Anthony Rapp (Lucas) 8. VIP donors mingling with cast members 9. Claudia Villareal, Broadway Across America national winner with James Snyder (Josh) 10. Jim and Brenda Rowland with LaChanze (Kate) Photos: Tim Trumble

VOLUME 9 | 2016

D O N O R P RO F I LE : T H E A B B E T T FA M I LY FO U N DAT I O N

WELCOMING A NEW ASU GAMMAGE DONOR The Abbett Family Foundation: Our Youth, Our Future • By David M. Brown Wheeler Taft Abbett, Sr. believed in giving back to the community—in his hours and his dollars. Today, The Abbett Family Foundation (AFF) honors that spirit of giving six years after his death in Marana, just north of Tucson. Established to benefit the greater Tucson community, the Foundation is overseen by son Jeffrey, daughter Renee and Tim Wilcox, principal of Sonora Investment Management, Tucson.

The partnership will continue through the 2017−18 season as ASU Gammage begins to extend its reach and correspondence with schools in the southern part of the state. “The goal of this partnership is not to create a ‘one-and-done’ program, but to build relationships and programs that will have a wideranging impact,” Vuletich says.

One of the latest beneficiaries of this generosity is ASU Gammage, in particular, its unique Cultural Participation programs, which will now be more readily available for students in the Tucson/Marana area to participate in the joys of live performances and educational programs.

“In addition, a Southern Arizona high school will be chosen for the ASU Gammage Kaleidoscope program, which ties themes from a Broadway show into curriculum happening in the classroom,” Vuletich adds. This program invites teachers and selected students to attend a performance and have dinner with cast members at ASU Gammage, with catered food on a china-set table.

“This year, we are very proud to partner with the ASU Foundation and ASU Gammage in support of their youth and educational outreach programs,” says Jeffrey Abbett, who moved to Arizona in 1982 and to Tucson three years later. This accessibility will come by way of bus scholarships, which cover the full costs of transportation to and from the Southern Arizona schools and registration fees for the ASU Gammage programs. “A new group of students will now be able to easily participate in Performances for Students, a series that brings high-level world music and dance artists to a K-12 audience,” says Melissa Vuletich, Cultural Participation program manager at ASU Gammage. On May 7, this initiative begins with “Project Tomorrow,” which is expected to bring 200 Southern Arizona (primarily Tucson area) children and their chaperones to see the Broadway touring production of ANNIE.

As one of her many contributions to ASU Gammage during her 23-year tenure, Executive Director Colleen JenningsRoggensack has extended its stage out to the community through a series of cultural participation programs, providing more and more underserved people, young and old, to enjoy the opportunities available at the Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned gateway to the ASU Tempe campus. “Most of these programs are really quite unique to ASU Gammage. Replicas or similar programs do not exist in other geographic areas of the state, so rather than re-creating what already exists at ASU Gammage, it makes sense for us to expand our access and impact,” explains Julianne Mate, development officer for ASU Gammage. The Abbett Family Foundation grant allows flexibility in its disposition. “The funding is more focused on general intent than specific stipulations on how much must go to which program, so we are free to be creative about how to improve access to already successful programs at ASU Gammage,” Mate explains. Many of the more than 2,000 annual ASU Gammage donors provide similarly nontargeted funds. “Kaleidoscope and the Performances for Students are an excellent fit, but the sky is the limit. Additionally, from a funding perspective, this gift is uniquely impactful because the full sum has been given to ASU Gammage, but it will actually fund impact for multiple years,” Mate adds. “Having these sustainable funds from which to draw allows us to start implementing programs now while also having some room to plan for the future.”

Issie Swickle as Annie and Sunny as Sandy in ANNIE. Photo: Joan Marcus

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

The Arts are Important to Young Lives

L to R: Michael Reed, Renee Abbett, Jenniffer Abbett-Jarvis, Jeff Abbett and Julianne Mate.

A Family Tradition of Serving, Giving Jeffrey Abbett’s parents followed him to Arizona from their home in Southern California in 1989, hoping that the dry Tucson air would assuage his father’s emphysema. A high school graduate at age 16, Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. was an electrical engineer, raised horses, worked in radio and was an avocado farmer. In Long Beach, he was vice chairman of a committee working on the redevelopment of its downtown, and his wife, Charlyne, owned three flower shops.

“Students can use music to understand math by playing with beats and rhythm. They can study the life cycle of a plant through dance and movement. Using the arts to conceptualize in the classroom helps students to not just memorize important facts and figures but to understand them.” The classroom is extended onto the stage as the young people watch and relate to the individuals and groups performing. “They hear the math in the live music. They see the stages of the life cycle abstractly moving and changing right in front of them. The overall experience is heightened and the learning is as well.”

In Marana, they continued their public investment. He was on the Planning and Zoning Commission for more than nine years and chairman for five, and she was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the Pima County Merit Commission. Even before the AFF was established in 2012, the senior Abbett donated to help Pima County in building a new Marana public library—the Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library which opened in 2008. During that time, he also established a nursing scholarship at Pima Community College and gave regularly to other local charities, including the Marana Community Food Bank, Gospel Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army. Since then, the AFF has worked with MHC Healthcare and The Lions Club to establish a vision center providing screening and glasses to low-income families and fund equipment for Banner Diamond Children’s Medical Center and Casa De Los Niños. “This donation allowed the Lion’s Vision Center to open within the Marana Main Health Center of MHC Healthcare and benefitted many individuals, providing affordable and professional eye care,” says Clinton Kuntz, CEO of MHC Healthcare. “The Abbett Family Foundation makes the decision every year to help children and families stay together. With their wonderful support, Casa de los Niños in Tucson is able to help thousands of kids stay safe and healthy. Children belong in loving and permanent homes, and The Abbett Family Foundation partners with us in such a thoughtful way to ensure that happens,” says Lisa Webster, its director of Development and Community Relations.

D O N O R P RO F I LE : T H E A B B E T T FA M I LY FO U N DAT I O N

The performing arts are formative, and the ASU Gammage experience is designed to influence young lives who might not otherwise enjoy these opportunities. “Students learn in many different ways, but when you tie the arts into learning, the yields are much higher,” Vuletich says.

Arizona students enjoying a performance at ASU Gammage

It’s documented that arts-involved students are more likely to experience academic success in other areas and they are more likely to stay in school. In addition, ASU Gammage is uniquely positioned on a college campus. “When students come here, it’s often the first time they see a live performance. Just as often, it is also the first time these kids have ever set foot on a college campus,” Mate says. So, the experience is arts intensive and inspirational, making a college education an attainable goal. “Sometimes kids write thank you notes, and it’s not unusual for them to say that they have never been to a college before and now they want to come to ASU as a student. This is a really powerful testament to the role of the performing arts and ASU Gammage, especially,” Mate notes. “The Abbett Family Foundation gift serves as a model and underscores the importance of supporting cultural participation for everyone in the community,” JenningsRoggensack says. “It serves as a powerful reminder that culture connects communities and everyone can and should play an active role to ensure the next 50 years of ASU Gammage and arts and culture in Arizona. We are most grateful to the Abbett family for their generous gift.” l Brown is a Valley-based freelancer (azwriter.com). VOLUME 9 | 2016

PLEASE REMOVE YOUR NAMETAG FOR PHOTOS: A PROFILE ON MICHELLE JOHNSON To many, Michelle is a friendly face that greets guests in the VIP Lounge. To her co-workers, she is a fierce leader. But to everyone else, she is the constant reminder to remove your name tag for photos.

M I C H E LLE J O H N SO N

Michelle Johnson, CAP-OM, ASU Gammage’s Executive Assistant, worked hard to get where she is today, and it shows. Her office showcases memorabilia of her success: from photographs to important documents, it’s clear Johnson is dedicated to her job. She sits across from me with her Bluetooth™ headset still on, always prepared to take the next phone call, and begins to share details about her life and 37 years with ASU Gammage.

Photo: Tim Trumble

Before Gammage Johnson is the third of four girls and comes from a military family. They moved several times during her childhood. As a child, she loved traveling from location to location until her family eventually settled in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1969. “When you’re a kid and you’re moving every two years it’s very different than when you’re an adult. I loved it,” Johnson said.

Carole Vogt and Michelle Johnson

Upon returning to the United States at age 11, Johnson’s parents enrolled her in a public school. In her freshman year of high school she took a typing class and learned shorthand. She knew then she wanted to be a secretary.

The ASU Gammage Experience In 1978 Carole Vogt, Johnson’s first boss and the ASU Gammage office manager at the time, hired Johnson, and the rest is history. “I always say I come from the school of Carole,” Johnson said. “She was an amazing mentor. She taught me how to be a professional and excel in my career.” During her time under Vogt, Johnson also began to gain an appreciation for the arts. “I knew nothing about the arts. So coming here at such a young age my world was opened up and broadened,” Johnson said. Today, Johnson considers Vogt one of her inspirations, along with Colleen Jennings-Roggensack and Charles Bethea, former associate executive director at ASU Gammage. During her time at ASU Gammage, Johnson has seen a large chunk of the theater’s most historical moments pass through. She experienced The Rolling Stones’ first stadium tour, a Papal visit in 1987, Senator Barry Goldwater’s funeral, the 2004 presidential debate between George W. Bush and John Kerry, and many other memorable events. Additionally, she’s witnessed the technological revolution take over the way offices are run today. “I remember when fax machines revolutionized the mailing process, and now it’s like scan and email. It’s crazy,” Johnson said. 18

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

After nearly four decades with ASU Gammage, Johnson has narrowed down her favorite Broadway shows to six: ASPECTS OF LOVE, JERSEY BOYS, WICKED, THE LION KING, STARLIGHT EXPRESS (because she saw it with her eldest son), and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA when it came to ASU Gammage for the first time in 1994. Johnson loves all the work ASU Gammage does, but it is the Cultural Participation projects that she holds closest to her heart. When asked about her favorite part of working for ASU Gammage Johnson became emotional at the thought of the important strides the programs have made in the community, particularly the impact it has made on young school children. “Although I love experiencing our Broadway shows, there’s no greater joy than for me to be able to share the arts with the next generation through our Cultural Participation programs,” Johnson said. “That’s what makes me very proud of what we do. It still does and makes me cry.”

M I C H E LLE J O H N SO N

In her opinion, one of the most impactful programs at ASU Gammage is Journey Home, a program to help inmates gain the tools and self-esteem to make positive choices. Last year, Johnson was inspired by the story of Victoria Cleto, a former Journey Home participant, whose artwork is currently on display at ASU Gammage. Looking back on her time at ASU Gammage, Johnson said she now sees the benefits of furthering your education and belonging to organizations like the International Association of Administrative Professionals, which she’s been a proud member of since 1983. Johnson also stresses the importance of a lesson Jennings-Roggensack taught her: “cradle to grave learning,” which emphasizes that a person never stops learning, no matter what stage of life they’re in. “I feel so blessed and lucky to have the career I’ve had,” Johnson said.

Personal Life

Johnson and son Micah at the 2015 Gala. Photo: Tim Trumble

Besides her career, Johnson’s family is also extremely important to her. She has two sons, Micah and Lucas, who are now 32 and 28-years-old, respectively. Johnson’s main support system comes from her family. She said her sons “basically grew up” in Gammage and attended shows with her. Additionally, she credits her former husband for being a great partner in raising their sons.

The Future As for the future, Johnson is excited to see the Elevate and Alleviate campaign come to fruition. The $9 million project will add more than 70 ladies’ restrooms and elevators in ASU Gammage. “This is our first capital campaign ever. It has been thrilling for me to see the community contribute and support our campaign,” Johnson said. l Savanah Yaghsezian • savanah.yaghsezian@asu.edu Johnson with her sons Micah (L) and Lucas (R).

VOLUME 9 | 2016

A S U TO P S LI S T O F M OS T I N N OVAT I V E SC H OO L S

Photo: Tim Trumble

ASU TOPS U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT LIST OF MOST INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS Arizona State University tops the list of “most innovative schools” in the newly released U.S. News & World Report college rankings for 2016. “Most innovative” is a new category for the widely touted set of annual rankings by the news magazine, which compares more than 1,500 institutions on a variety of metrics. ASU topped the list based on a survey of peers. College presidents, provosts and admissions deans around the country nominated up to 10 colleges or universities that are making the most innovative improvements to curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities. Though, it’s not just college officials who are noticing ASU’s innovative atmosphere. “ASU provided us with so many opportunities to excel in entrepreneurship and other projects,” said Jared Schoepf, who was on a team of undergraduates who launched a startup called SafeSipp, which designed and produces waterpurifying devices for developing countries. “We went to several competitions and we realized that ASU gave us that upper edge to compete.” After ASU, the four most innovative universities were Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Maryland – Baltimore County, Georgia State. Half of the 28 universities on the list, like ASU, are public. 20

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

ASU has launched several unique programs in the past few years, including several focused on widening access to higher education, which is a mission of University President Michael Crow. Last year the school announced the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, a partnership with the coffee company that offers full tuition reimbursement to Starbucks employees who pursue an online degree through ASU. And this fall saw the debut of ASU’s Global Freshman Academy, in which students

can take online classes and decide after completion whether they want to pay for the credits, which are offered at a rate of $200 per hour.

“It’s spectacular what they allowed us to do,” said Schoepf, who is now pursuing his doctorate in chemical engineering at ASU. Schoepf and his team launched their product as part of the Engineering Projects in Community Service program at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. He said they won several grants totaling more than $50,000 to launch their product, including rent-free manufacturing space provided by ASU. Among the other U.S. News and World Report rankings, ASU was 8th in “best online programs” and 16th for faculty commitment to teaching undergraduates. ASU also appeared on a list of 92 universities touted as being “A+ schools for B students,” where “nonsuperstars” can thrive. That list was presented alphabetically, not ranked. Sometimes innovation comes in the form of foresight. The W.P. Carey School of Business, which maintained its top-30 ranking for undergraduate business schools in the magazine’s listings, was among the first to create a master’s of science in business analytics, in which graduates learn how to harness the power of massive amounts of data. The program, which was started in response to industry demand, has tripled its enrollment in the two years it’s been offered. “Ranking in the top 30 for the past decade is a testament to the ability of faculty and staff to focus on individual student attention and program excellence at the same time,” said Amy Hillman, dean of the W. P. Carey School of Business. For students, the approach to innovation can be both academic and practical.

A S U TO P S LI S T O F M OS T I N N OVAT I V E SC H OO L S

ASU is also exploring better ways to teach. Several hundred freshmen are participating in a new project-based learning pilot this year called ProMod. The program combines instruction in general education and students’ focused areas of study while they tackle real life problems. Faculty are researching whether the students are more likely to complete their degrees than students who take classes delivered in the traditional way.

But creating a culture of innovation is more than starting separate programs across the university. “You do need to create a sustainability of innovation across the breadth of the university - a little pocket here and a little pocket there just doesn’t do it,” said Dave Guston, founding director of ASU’s new School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He credits President Crow with fostering a foundation for innovation. “The faculty members feel very comfortable crossing boundaries and engaging in collaborations that at other institutions would be treated with something between indifference and hostility.” Guston said that culture of innovation has helped recruit faculty to ASU. “Basically, the faculty we’ve brought into the new school are coming specifically to do things they felt they were not able to do at their home institutions.” l Mary Beth Faller, reporter, ASU Now • marybeth.faller@asu.edu

VOLUME 9 | 2016

CATCHING UP WITH ARIZONA NATIVE KRYSTINA ALABADO

K RYS T I N A A L A BA D O

Since the last time we spoke to her, actress Krystina Alabado left the Broadway tour life and ventured to New York City to further her Broadway career. We caught up with her to discuss her work in David Bowie’s LAZARUS, the effect his recent passing left on the cast and crew, and her exciting future projects. Alabado was raised in Chandler, Arizona and attended ASU until she was offered a role in the first national touring cast of SPRING AWAKENING during her freshman year. From there, she returned to the Valley in SPRING AWAKENING, AMERICAN IDIOT and EVITA on the ASU Gammage stage. In 2013, Alabado was honored with ASU Gammage’s first-ever Rising Star of Broadway award, which is given to one actor or actress each season who is making their mark on the Great White Way. Transferring her life from Arizona to New York City was not the easiest journey for Alabado, but she’s loved every second of it. “New York has been wonderful and hard at the same time,” Alabado said. She moved in 2008 and now considers New York her home, but Alabado still feels connected to her roots on the West Coast, where her family still lives today. “If Broadway could be in Arizona, I’d be in Arizona,” Alabado said. More recently, Alabado found herself cast in a life-changing project: LAZARUS, co-written by the late David Bowie. Alabado said that during her work on the Off-Broadway production, no one in the cast knew Bowie was sick. He

Photo: Tim Trumble

attended several rehearsals and never showed any signs of illness. Bowie died of liver cancer on January 10, nine days before the show’s run ended. “He had so much joy in his eyes watching us (during a rehearsal) … including us in his story has had the biggest impact on me,” Alabado said. Alabado’s favorite memories from LAZARUS include the times she spent working with Bowie and the cast recording for the show’s album on iTunes. Alabado and Michael C. Hall recorded their duet “When I Met You.” “There was so much emotion. I think it’ll be special to hear,” Alabado said. After LAZARUS wrapped, Alabado headed off to work on her next project, AMERICAN PSYCHO THE MUSICAL, which she described as “an 80’s creepy party on Broadway.” This will be her first time performing in an Original Broadway Cast. “(This is) the biggest dream that I had when I first started,” Alabado said. “My 15-year-old self would be freaking out right now.” Looking back, Alabado gives credit to her family for getting her to where she is today. She thanks her parents and siblings for being both her inspiration and support system throughout her career. “I feel very lucky that I came from such a close, tight upbringing,” she said. “I don’t think I’d be where I’m at without my family.” Alabado also took a moment to thank ASU Gammage’s Executive Director, Colleen Jennings-Roggensack. “Colleen is the best in the business,” Alabado said. Alabado will perform as Vanden in AMERICAN PSYCHO THE MUSICAL beginning March 24 in New York, but hopefully one day, she’ll make a return visit to the ASU Gammage stage. l Savanah Yaghsezian • savanah.yaghsezian@asu.edu

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

Brynn Williams, Michael Esper and Krystina Alabado in LAZARUS. Photo: Jan Versweyveld

KERR KORNER

The historic ASU Kerr Cultural Center, a division of ASU Gammage.

THEN SINGS MY SOUL AT ASU KERR Songs & Spirituals from the American Experience Starring Cheryse McLeod Lewis This spring, ASU Kerr Cultural Center welcomes Cheryse McLeod Lewis and her performance of Then Sings My Soul. Lewis is sure to satisfy the soul with a program that showcases the uplifting and inspirational history of American music. The Then Sings My Soul concert is an uplifting journey that traverses through some of the most beautiful music ever written. In her performance she brings to life stunning spirituals, moving art songs and Broadway favorites that include “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Somewhere,” “Ride on King Jesus,” “He’s Got The Whole Word In His Hands,” and Lee Hoiby’s stirring musical setting of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Famous “I Have A Dream” speech. In this special presentation select songs will be performed with the acclaimed Saguaro High School Advanced Vocal Ensemble.

During her career as a performance artist, Lewis has performed in several operas, concerts, musicals and vocal competitions. In 2013, she performed at ASU Gammage in the 1st National Broadway Tour of THE GERSHWIN’S PORGY & BESS. Come see Lewis in Then Sings My Soul March 10 at 7:30. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

ASU Gammage gratefully acknowledges these individual donors and foundations whose cumulative giving totaled $100,000 or more as of December 2015. The contributions of these generous benefactors, in partnership with those of other visionary patrons, sponsors and volunteers, have incalculably enriched our community.

Abbett Family Foundation American Airlines Arizona Lottery APS Susan & William Ahearn Jerry Appell F. Richard Bloechl Family Broadway Across America JO & Harvey Finks George Brazil Home Services Laurie & Chuck Goldstein Patricia Kaufman Patricia Langlin-Brazil Richard S. & Rae Love Robert Machiz Rosenbluth Family Foundation Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation Margaret T. Morris Foundation Rev. Jenny Norton & Bob Ramsey Scottsdale Insurance Company/ Nationwide Insurance Foundation Ticketmaster VMI Holdings The Way Family/Way Family Charitable Foundation

DONORS

Whether sparking the stage aflame with her fiery and sensual Carmen or dissolving an audience into laughter with her charming and youthful Hansel, award-winning mezzo-soprano Lewis brings a striking vocal and physical presence to the stage. She is an accomplished performer in opera, Broadway, concert and recital.

100K MILESTONE

CORPORATE/ FOUNDATION SPONSORS $100,000+ Abbett Family Foundation Broadway Across America Desert Schools Federal Credit Union Margaret T. Morris Foundation/J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation $75,000+ George Brazil Home Services $50,000-$25,000 Andrew Family Foundation Century Link National Endowment for the Arts $24,999-$10,000 Arizona Lottery APS California Institute of Contemporary Arts Pearson & Company VOLUME 9 | 2016

Scottsdale Insurance Company/ Nationwide Insurance Foundation Stinson Leonard Street LLP/Michael C. Manning The Way Family/Way Family Charitable Foundation $9,999-$2,500 Abbot Downing American Airlines Arizona Business Bank Arizona Business Magazine Macy’s Foundation The New England Foundation for the Arts Penrose Academy The Reflective Designer Shamrock Foods Target Tim Trumble Photography, Inc.

DONORS

LEGACY

Anonymous Susan & William Ahearn E.G. & Carol Barmore Larry Berentzen Barbara, Irv & Jeremy Berger Charley Beyer George & Patricia Brazil Marlene Bushard Carl J. Cross Leonard & Emily Dudziak Raylan & Beverley Evans Mary Flora Marilyn & Jim Foley Alan & Anita Handelsman Henry & Mary Hansen Carl & Patricia Harris Robert & Jeanette Heacock David N. Horowitz Lucille Hudgens Donald & June Julen Sue Larsen Richard S. & Rae Love Douglas Lowe Larry Mattal Elizabeth & Peter Means Merrily Metzger Marilyn Moman Paul & Janet Morrison Vickie & Ron Neill Clyde C. Parker Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Michael Pollay Russell A. Robbins Mitchell & Heather Ross Virginia Schantz Margaret Schulz Mr. & Mrs. Russell Smith Jo & Frank Stockman Bruce C. Thoeny Mollie C. Trivers John & Joyce Webb Allie Lamar Yeager ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

ASU GAMMAGE VIP CLUB INVESTORS GUILD $25,000 and Above

Susan & William Ahearn* Mrs. Frank A. Bowman* Patricia Langlin-Brazil Dr. & Mrs. Charles Goldstein Sarah Nolan Rev. Jenny Norton & Mr. Bob Ramsey

PRODUCERS ACADEMY $10,000 and Above

Dr. & Mrs. William Andrew Jerry Appell* Janet & Doug Baughman Carmela & Michael Blank John Breeding Jeffrey & Marcia Buzzella* James L. Cramer & Allen C. Kalchik Joan Cremin Eileen Curtin* Jane & Clive Cussler Todd & Wendy Dickerson JO & Harvey Finks Karen & Grady Gammage Jr. John Gore Peter Harries* Sharron Lewis Robert Machiz Steve & Rhonda Maun Merrily Metzger Andrew & Marcia Meyer Lesley & Paul Monfardini Rod & Julie Rebello* Jeff & Leslie Rich Jana & Charles Sample Joanne Schust

GRADY GAMMAGE SOCIETY $5,000 and Above

Anonymous Bill & Cindy Abbott Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation Alan & Char Augenstein Harrison & Laura Bachrach Reginald M. Ballantyne III E.G. & Carol Barmore Mary A. Barrett Oonagh & John Boppart Renee Cermak & Fred Auzenne Dr. & Mrs. Steven Farber Sophia & Mike Fong Fractured Prune Doughnuts Arizona Christine & Luis Gonzalez In Memory of Ada Halbreich Jay & Rojon Hasker* Caroline & Chris Hoeye Jacqueline Hufford-Jensen & Greg Kroenig Patricia Kaufman* Norman & Teresa Klein Family Kathy & Albert Leffler Julie & Herbert Louis Richard S. & Rae Love Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Mandell Mr. & Mrs. Kent McClelland Rebecca Bowman Nassikas

BOLD indicates $50K cumulative giving to ASU Gammage * denotes multi-year commitment

• as of 1/2016

Nederlander Producing Co. of America, Inc. Jeffrey D. Oliver Arthur & Linda Pelberg Larry & Lisa Rogoff Rosenbluth Family Foundation Richard & Christy Schust Enid & Michael Seiden Lorri & Stephen Smith Roxane Smyer & Bailey Smith Mr. & Mrs. Ron Starkman* Steffie & Millie Marsha & Charles Van Dam Kristi Vasquez & Jeff Roberts Pam & Wayne Wesala Jana & Mark Wilcke Patrick H. Zanzucchi KATHRYN GAMMAGE CIRCLE $2,500 and Above

AADS Office Solutions Int’l, LLC & Top Priority Messenger Service, Inc. Kathy Aichele & Fran Tepner & Robert Scrivner Nancy & Warren Alter Anderson, Chavet and Anderson Inc. Buffie & Ray Anderson Rhet & Marcia Andrews Anonymous Michael & Betsy Appelbaum Felice Appell Tran & Glenn Appell Tara Bickford Bailey & Glen R. Bailey Craig & Barbara Barrett Barbara, Irv & Jeremy Berger* Karen & Gary Bethune Janet Bioletto Jon & Jennifer Bohnert Tara & Todd Bookspan Susan & David Brachman Dr. & Mrs. Derek Braun Steve & Belinda Brown Cheryl & Lee Brueckel Jim Cairns & Dani Stanton Linda Carneal Rick & Kathy Cartell Dr. David & Mrs. Georgiana Cave Jacqueline Chadwick, MD Children’s Dental Village Marilee & David Clarke Carol & Larry Clemmensen Les & Becky Coates/Lawns by Les Dr. & Mrs. Lance Cohen John H. Cole III M.D. & Patrick T. Boyhan Marilyn & Bob Colvert Angela & David Conwell Kris Cook & Dale Wendt, Jr. Barbi Crisp & Mark Nemscoff Cyndi & Terry DeBoer Mr. & Mrs. Tom DeBonis Bob Demaine Laurie Dennhardt & Anna de Jesus Erika & Russ Dickey Mr. & Mrs. Robert Donat Laura Dornbush Rebecca Driggs Richard & Lou Ender Kerry & Jim Engbarth Michele & Chris England Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Ensor Ardie & Steve Evans Jane & Andrew Evans II

ASU GAMMAGE VIP CLUB Practice Strategies Pragmatic Marketing, Inc. Dr. Coral Quiet/Arizona Breast Cancer Specialists Mario Trejo Romero & G. Lewis Penrose Russell A. Robbins Rose Law Group Mitchell & Heather Ross Jim & Brenda Rowland Karen & John Runberg Norm & Pam Saba Jesse & Jennifer Schwarz Danny Sharaby/Tickets Unlimited Jeffrey & Deborah Smith Dr. Cheri St. Arnauld & Family Dr. Barry & Judith Stern Cheryl & Ed Sucato Holly, Kristen & Lauren Terrell Bruce C. Thoeny Brinley Thomas & Charles Bentley Tiller Family Foundation Janet Tkach & J. Volpe Cheryl & Gary Van Brunt Susan Van Dyke MD/Van Dyke Laser & Skin Care Mark & Lynn Vanderlinde/VRealty Advisors M.A. Verso MD Veteran Tickets Foundation Doug Walters Patrick & Darlene Wastal Connie & Craig Weatherup Jeffrey & Dian Weisman Daryl & Karly Williams Dr. Syd Wilson & Dr. Carol Wilson Dr. Salpi Wolper Dr. Frederick T. Wood & Kim Richey Frank & Candace Yaconis Greg Yagi & Don Strook Violet Toy & Betsy Toy Yee Ray & Sue York Charlie & Judy Zarrelli* Barbara & Barry Zemel

DIRECTORS CLUB $1,250 and Above

Mariana & Richard Abelson Altier Credit Union Anonymous Jane Ash Kevin Axx & Cameron Goebeler Sam Baar Luisa & Berke Bakay Jim Barash & Dr. Tamar Gottfried Michael & Julie Bennett Kristy Benton Best Life Pharmanaturals Col. Jody Blanchfield Katherine & John Boisvert Susan & Richard Bookspan Teresa & Mark Borota Linda Broomhead & Terese Sanchez Patti & Rick Brown Shirley F. Brown & Fred L. Brown Cheryl & Pat Burke Janet & Edward Burke Elizabeth Burm Janet & Karen Caldwell Camelview Physical Therapy David E. Cantrell & Glenn W. Eyet III Cappuccino Subito Casey Cary

Kent Cattani Susan & Steven Charney Helen Cho Kathryn A. Christman Grainger Cole Marilee & Zach Dal Pra Ed & Beth Dawkins Brian & Becky Delghiaccio Drs. Fred & Suzie DePrez Donna & Bob Dichiaro Jackie & James Disney DMB Associates, Inc. Michael Drexler Jim Edmonds Cynthia Emmons Christine English & Lenard Hailey Jody Epperson Michele & Michael Etheridge Thomas Fannin Cheryl & Eric Farber Dino & Linda Farfante Mary Farrington-Lorch & Martin Lorch Gail Fawcett Penny & Charles Fine Mike & Becky Fish Sandra J. Fromm Crystal Fyke Marybeth & Jimmy Garrett Dr. Philip E. & Roseann M. Geiger Carole & Ronnie Gilbert Joe & Helen Goldblatt Vicki Greener Lindsey, Victor & Henrik Hamburger Diane Harrison Dottie & Mark Harshbarger Marilyn & Paul Harter Larmon & Linda Haugen Hensley Beverage Company Jennifer & Stuart Hetrick Lori & Howard Hirsch Christopher & Judy Hossack Mike Hughes & Dr. Kevin Mendivil The Til Hutchison Family Kim Jameson & Jon Ann Hockersmith Lynda Jones & Ron Jenks Gwen Johnson In Memory of Steven R. Jonas Dr. Lyndy Jones Lynn Judd Susan Karis Rona & Allan Kasen Casey & Clara Khaleesi Sheila Kloefkorn & Sue Wieger Jo Krueger Law Office of Christina M. Lopez, PLLC Lawrence R. Lathom Machrina & Dale Leach Mary E. LeRoy & Mark F. Tabar Paul, Pat & Kelsey Lewis Law Office of Christina M. Lopez, PLLC Sharon Lytle-Breen Bev & Bruce Martin In Memory of Jack McDonnell Robbyn McDowell Dr. Geoffrey McKinzie & Tabitha McKinzie Bruce Meyerson & Mary Ellen Simonson In Memory of J. Eric Miller Larry & Virginia Morrison Dawn & John Mulligan

Mary Murphy & Kurt Meyer Mutual Management Services Karen Nackard Christine & Frank Nechvatal Tom Ng In Memory of Cindy Olstein Dr. & Mrs. Donald A. Opila Todd Ott Dr. & Mrs. Donald Patterson Gloria & Jill Pierce-Garcia Carol A. Poore, Ph.D. Keith & Laura Price Hari Puri Carolyn & Phillip Ragatz Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Rawlings Dean Rennell Lezlie & Brent Richardson Herschel & Valerie Richter Rebecca P. Ripley & Tara Swinehart Dr. Lynn Robershotte & Bryce Rene & Theresa Romero Jeff Salomone Mr. & Mrs. Harold Samloff Bryan N. Sandler, Esq. Christine Scarpati Ellen & Paul Schifman Dr. Katherine Schmidt & Professor Randall Schmidt Lyrna & Michael Schoon Ryan & Rachel Semro Judy Sera-Windell & Robert Windell Linda & Martin Shultz Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Signeski Mr. & Mrs. Clark Skeans Rebecca & William Smead Nicole Spracale Dale Stellick John & Monica Suriano Dr. Jerome & Dr. Selma E. Targovnik Christina & Tim Tarter Toby Teret Taylor Tewksbury Financial Group/John & Sunny Tewksbury Susan Thrasher & Chuck Schwartz Mollie C. Trivers Zeena Ubogy M.D. & Millard Thaler M.D./Papillon Cosmetic Dermatology Center Ann & Paul Underwood Joseph Walters Dale & Sheryl Wanek Col. Alexander Warschaw Phyl Wason Jim & Susan Watson Lori Weinstein John O. Whiteman Jeanne Wilcox & Joe Rody Todd & Tammy Wilkening Doris & Duly Winkler Mr. & Mrs. Bob Withers/Pastoral Care Fund Sharon K. Woodman

VOLUME 9 | 2016

DONORS

Lyn & Bruce Everette Ray & Bettijune Fanning Bela & Miguel Fernandez Phyllis & Jack Finney Eric Fox & Raymond Hebert & Judith Rosenthal & Georgia Garrett-Norris Brooke Fry Family Dr. & Mrs. Dean Gerstenberger Kathy & Marty Harper Terry Gimmellie & Brooks Hull Mrs. Saul Ginsberg Davie Glaser In Loving Memory of David H. Glaser Globe Foundation Mark & Sherry Goldberg Don & Justine Good Jan & Dick Govig John & Deanne Greco Joan & Al Gudriks & Mary & Dan Stamp Mark & Joanne Halberg Mr. & Mrs. Don Hall Alan & Anita Handelsman Liesa Harkness Jeffrey E. Harper Kathy & Marty Harper Carl & Patricia Harris Ralph & Ellen Hirsch Genevieve & Michael Hogan David N. Horowitz & Damon J. Bolling Tara Iyengar Dr. Ellie & John Izzo Jaburg & Wilk, P.C. Colleen Jennings-Roggensack & Dr. Kurt Roggensack Peggy R. Joslin Michelle Jung & Chris Rodriguez Mr. & Mrs. Tim Kaehr Stacy & Alan Klibanoff Michael & Ellyn Kruke Drs. Aaron & Brenda LaTowsky Hope & Steven Leibsohn Herb & Nancy Lienenbrugger Douglas Lowe Kurt & Keli Luther Theresa & Ed Maciag Cheryl & Johan Magnusson Marketline Mortgage Ms. Michelle Matiski & Dr. Alan Snyder Cathy McDavid Patrick McPhilomy Andrew & Marcia Meyer Kathleen A. Mickle & Karen B. Roth Glenn & Stephanie Mitchell Kathleen & Barry Monheit Scott More Carl C. Mueller Kenneth & Donna Muller Rafael & Mary Munoz Dr. & Mrs. Jacob Musallam Dick & Jane Neuheisel Nathan & Betty Norris Linda & Kevin Olson Mr. & Mrs. Enrique Ortega Frank & Ginny Palamara Dr. John Parente ON Media Publications PRM Association Management Leah Pallin-Hill & Bryan Hill* Dwight & Kathryn Peters Pat Piazza Debbie & Tobie Pirone

DONORS

SUPPORTING MEMBER $500 and Above

Anonymous George Abrams Wendy & Ian Ackerman Andrea Alley Robyn & Robert Anderson In memory of Jerry Appell Lory Baraz & Robert Zucker Darbi & David Barnett Ross & Shirley Berg In Memory of Nan Beyer Lisa Black Suzanne & David Black Miriam & Brian Boegel Babette Burdman Arlene Busch Stephanie & Brad Butler Kelly Calhoun Dawn Cernak Sophia Chiang & Wayne Gaafar Rose & Joseph Circello Steven & Shari Cohen Catherine M. Comer Carl J. Cross Shelly & Mark Detmer Janice Donnelly & John King Kimberly Dorris Don Dotts Jane Dowling Cheryl Eames & William Achtenberg Rhonda Elifritz-Rix Bob & Frankie Ellis Margaret & Marc Erpenbeck Barbara Estrada Karen Felts & Amanda Felts Fifth College Consulting, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Armando Flores Jane & Bob Franek Ira Gaines Natalie & Edward Gaylord Mary Ann Graf MaryLee Hanson Jill Hart Ronald H. Harten Cathleen & Scott Hartman Col. Paul Harwood Linda Heppe Beth & Bill Hicks Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Hoffer Patty & Ronnie Horn William Hosking Kathy & Kenneth Hudson Laurene Hughes Michelle Louise Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Jozoff Patricia & William Jump Dr. & Mrs. Dean Kile Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kirby Sr. Joan & Walt Koppenbrink Alisa & Michael Lacey Lisa & William Leighton Linda & Ken Levin Donna & Marc Levison Michael & Daisy Levitt Dorothy Lincoln-Smith Beth & Rob Marsh Alice Mason Marianne & John McGuire Elizabeth & Peter Means Vickie & Ron Neill Neiman Marcus New Electric, Inc. Karen Nordstrand Kathy & James O’Brien Michael O’Meara Pam & Gary Passey Valerie & Gregory Patten MaryLee & Glen Poole Toni Ramsey & Mark Mulligan Michael Rego Lauren Reid Ronald & Beverly Richards Kristine Romine

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

Alice & Doug Safford Ed Sandler Dawn & Michael Sandlin Linda & Sherman Saperstein Jacob Schwarz Ronald P. Slamin, Sr. Tena & Michael Sprenger Richard P. Stahl Cynthia & Adam Stcyr Laura & Michael Suriano Chris & Geri Swahn Frank & Donna Tanori Vicki & Tom Taradash VIP Tours of New York LLC Margaret Vick Suzanne & Armando Viteri Jean & Darren West Kelli & Lonnie Williams Larry Wulkan Dr. & Mrs. Howard E. Wulsin Joseph Zavislak Robert Zinn

CONTRIBUTING MEMBER $250 and Above

Anonymous Amanda Aguilar Kevin Alaniz Joseph Albach Karen Alexander Velda Alexander Teresa Amabisca Susan Anderson & Robert Arthur Association of the United States Army, Arizona Territorial Chapter C.K. “Wiggie” Bastian & Stephanie Keeler David Bayliff Veronica & John Beamer William Becker Regina & Peter Bidstrup Kristine Black Linda & William Blanton Neva & Jim Bochenek George & Mary Ann Bradbury Lauri & Mike Branch Dr. & Mrs. Peter S. Brown Kathryn Browne Saundra Bryn Elizabeth & Dan Burk Rudy Burns Bruce Burton Mary & Ray Byke Cheryl Campbell Christine Carlson Peggy & Cy Carney Brent Collins Dorothy & Roger Colucci Teri Connelly Kevin Corrigan Pamela & Keith Corrigan Stacey Craig Lisa Croft Diane & Eric Davis Michelle & Bruce Davis Julie & Michael Dillon Mark Dodson Day & Matt Dominy Priscilla Ethier David Evan den Boer Patricia & Fred Farsjo Sharon Feltus Patricia Fimbres Sylvia & John Fox Friedel Family Foundation Mary Ann Gallagher Michelle Giannino Selma Glass Melissa Gram Jessica Griffin Alyssa Ann Goldstein Morton L. Goodman & Kathleen Niederst Barbara & David Greenberg Sharon & Tim Gregory Raef Hamaed Eva & James Hamant Cynthia Hanna Therese & Scott Hannemann Thomas Hartwell Chelsea Hollis Dorothy J. Horn David Hovarina Valerie Hubbard

Mr. & Mrs. Jason Hug Margo Hull Patricia Hynoski David Inger Patti Jackman Gary Jackson Crystal Jess Robert Johnson Raylene Johnston Anne & Tom Jones Kathryn Keast Ann & Timothy Kneuss Edith & Donald Kunz Richard Laborin Michelle Laiss-Lipner William & Linda Langer Daniel Levesque Patricia Liaros Christy Lindsay Linda Lo Cicero Steven Lofgren Trenda & J.W. Long Karie Lurie Suzan Makaus Dr. Patricia Mariella Kimberly Marshall Alice Mason Julie Mate Jon McCaine Marilyn & Mark McCall Linda & Anthony Meraz Erica Moran Kathryn Morris Christine & Edward Moss Blanche Munnelly Gerald & Juanita Myers Vickie Neill Mikaela Nixon Stephanie Nowack Erik Olson Margaret & Larry Ostendorf Larry Paprocki Alicia Pendley Natalie & Robert Petrucelli Sandra Phillips Valleria Pickett Ann & Richard Porras Melanie Powers Gail & Michael Reed Mariese & Glen Reeves Leslie Reynolds Peter & Jeane Robbeloth Lynn Robinson Matthew Robinson Ronald & Cynthia Rodgers Emanuel Romero Carolyn Roos Richard Ross Donna & Jack Rubino Norman Sandfield Jennifer Sartell Gloria Sawrey Laura Schurtz Carolyn Sechler Elvia Senter & Norman Buckner, Jr. Janice Sickels In Honor of Kendall Siebels Kathy Sill & Joel Birenbaum Raj Sivananthan Daniel L. Smith Marguerite Spears Mark Stevens Kelly Stricklin & Kristina Stricklin Steven Stringham Orin & Mary Svarc Audreyetta Swanson Particia Taylor In Memory of Ralph Thomas Rochelle & Tim Thomas Bradley Timmerman Jennifer Turner Robert Van Marter Celia Vasfaret Joel Wallace Katherina & Harold Watson Leesa & George Weisz Marty Westfall Barbara Whitman Stacy & Ronnie Wince Christine Woodson Lisa Zelasko Gayle Zerkel

Personalized membership card

Opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public

Visits to the VIP Lounge

4 l

Invitation to behind-the-scenes events and cast parties

Great seats—and private VIP ticketing concierge services

For Season Ticket Holders: Priority seating in VIP subscriber seats (number of tickets and location based on donor level)

For Single Ticket Buyers: Priority seating available (number of tickets and location based on donor level; seven day advance purchase required)

Reserved parking at ASU Gammage

Annual lunch with the ASU Gammage Executive Director

Invitations to exclusive events

Sponsor recognition for a BEYOND performance of your choice

Special opportunities tailored to your individal needs and interests

Your photo in the ASU Gammage VIP Club Leadership Gallery

Special lobby and website recognition

unlimited visits

V I P C LU B B E N E F I T S

Recognition in show programs

• $25,000 and above

Investors Guild

• $10,000 and above

Producers Academy

• $5,000 and above

Grady Gammage Society

• $2,500 and above

Kathryn Gammage Circle

• $1,250 and above

Directors Club

• $500 and above

Supporting Member

• $250 and above

Contributing Member

Subscription to Inner Circle Magazine, published quarterly

• $100 and above

Member

ASU GAMMAGE VIP CLUB BENEFITS

VIP Guidelines: You must maintain your annual VIP contribution at or above the Directors Club level in order to enjoy VIP seating. ASU Gammage VIP subscription seating is offered in the Orchestra Level in rows 3–20. VIP 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.

VOLUME 9 | 2016

ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

PO Box 870205 Tempe, AZ 85287-0205 480.965.5062 asugammage.com

UPCOMING VIP EVENTS

Lesley McKinnell as Miss Barley, Kevin Massey as Monty Navarro and John Rapson as Asquith D’Ysquith, Jr. in a scene from A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER. Photo: Joan Marcus.

Blake Stadnik as Billy Lawlor (center) and Company in 42ND STREET. Photo: Chris Bennion

Tuesday, March 15

Tueday, April 5

Cast Party: A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Cast Party: 42ND STREET

10 p.m. (approx.) Join ASU Gammage and cast members from A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER for beverages and light hors d'oeuvres on Opening Night.

Saturday, April 2 Journey Home performance in Estrella Jail The culmination of this powerful program in which the women perform their own choreography, display their visual arts and creative writing projects and tell their stories to community members and prison administration.

10 p.m. (approx.) Join ASU Gammage and cast members from 42ND STREET for beverages and light hors d'oeuvres on Opening Night.

Friday, April 8 Special 42ND STREET Lunch Exclusive VIP Club benefit for members who have cumulative giving above $25,000.

Photo: Tim Trumble

SPECIAL EVENTS Monday, March 21 The Gammy and Jerry Awards Dinner 5 p.m. All proceeds from the Gammy and Jerry Awards Dinner will benefit the Golden Gammage Initiative. Dinner seating is limited. Please call 480.965.3916 to reserve your table or seat. See pages 16-17 for details. Season Announcement Event 7:30 p.m. Join ASU Gammage as they announce their 2015-2016 season, with special guests and surprise performances.