CCFA Voices : Fall 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF THE COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION AND FINE ARTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS FALL 2017

NEW DEAN LOOKS TO CCFA’S FUTURE CHEIDT FAMILY MUSIC S CENTER CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING

Otis Sanford

Teri Feigelson

Maestro Pu-qi Jiang

1 Dean’s Message

Dean Dr. Anne Hogan

2 Around CCFA

Executive Editor Kimberly Rogers

Overview of the latest college happenings

6 Student Spotlight

Contributing Writer Carol Morse

Bailey Clark, Department of Journalism and Strategic Media

8

Contributing Design UofM Marketing and Communication

New Dean Looks to CCFA’s Future

Photography Rhonda Cosentino, Trey Clark

12 Alumni Spotlight Teri Feigelson (BFA ’81), Department of Theatre & Dance

14 Scheidt Family Music Center Ceremonial Groundbreaking

17 In the Community Off-campus involvement of students, faculty and staff

21 News & Notes

Brief updates from students, faculty, staff and alumni

24 In Memoriam

25 Donor Thanks

Advisory Board Ward Archer, Rikki Boyce, Dean Deyo, Art Gilliam, Herman Markell, Dana McKelvy, Charlotte Neal, Michael Osborn, Steve Pacheco, Mike Palazola, Chris Peck, Knox Philips, David Porter, Frank Ricks, Mickey Robinson, Rudi E. Scheidt, Linn Sitler, Jack Soden, Jimmy Tashie, Ron Walter, Judy McCown (Emeritae), Dr. Anne Hogan Published by University of Memphis College of Communication and Fine Arts 232 CFA Building, Memphis, TN 38152 901.678.2350 memphis.edu/ccfa

To submit story ideas, alumni updates, or other CCFA-related inquiries, please contact Executive Editor Kimberly Rogers at krogers@memphis.edu.

The University of Memphis does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by the University of Memphis. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Michael Washington, Director for Institutional Equity, mswshng1@ memphis.edu, 156 Administration Building, 901.678.2799. The University of Memphis policy on nondiscrimination can be found at policies.memphis.edu/UM1381.htm.

UOM044-FY1617/1M2C50 IMEC

DEAN’S MESSAGE The warm welcome that has been extended to me as the (relatively) new Dean of CCFA has certainly confirmed that southern hospitality is alive and well! It has been wonderful to meet so many faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the College over the past few months. The more I learn about the exceptional caliber of our programs, research, and community outreach, the more assured am I that we are truly poised to attain the next level of success and visibility.

I’d like to thank my predecessor, Dr. Richard R. Ranta, for leading CCFA so tirelessly and effectively since its inception. It’s an honor and a privilege, indeed, to become dean of a college that, through Dean Ranta’s leadership and the dedication of the entire CCFA team, has such an enviable record of student achievement and community partnerships. Associate Dean Moira Logan and Associate Professor Janet Page did an excellent job as, respectively, Interim Dean and Interim Associate Dean, in overseeing the transition period prior to my coming on board, and I feel extremely fortunate to be leading a College that is moving forward from a position of strength.

And, wow, we certainly have a lot of exciting upcoming initiatives! Here is a brief CCFA snapshot: I am thrilled to confirm that the Scheidt Family Music Center–the planning for which has been ongoing for more than 20 years–has officially entered its implementation stage. The funding that was included in the Governor’s budget was approved last spring, and we are now progressing full steam ahead to construct the venue, which will not only give our students the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve, but will also offer Memphis a new destination for the enjoyment of music and other performing arts. Meanwhile, the continuing partnership between the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and the Memphis Symphony will this year include recitals, master classes presented by symphony musicians on campus, and MSO participation in a newly re-imagined Summer Music Camp. The symphony will also be presenting one of their chamber orchestra concert series in Harris Concert Hall. Other events designed to reach out into the community include Opening Night at the Scheidt, our annual Holiday Concert, and our twice yearly Out-To-Lunch concerts.

The Mainstage Theatre, where this summer the Tennessee Shakespeare Company in collaboration with our Department of Theatre & Dance presented a hilarious production of “The Comedy of Errors,” this fall welcomes the return of the dance concert after a 15year absence. Given my background as a dancer, it will come as no surprise to you that I am delighted that the dance concentration was reinstated in fall 2016 back into the Theatre & Dance major. CCFA is thrilled to showcase that return to our theatre stage, and we invite our alums to celebrate Moira Logan, who was the architect of the program starting in 1986.

Having extended its highly successful Design+Build Studio initiative this summer, which included partnerships with the Carpenter Art Garden, the Memphis College of Art and the UofM Department of City and Regional Planning, the Department of Architecture looks forward to leading a range of community engagement projects this fall in every one of its design studios.

The Art Museum is the central organization (in liaison with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Indie Memphis Film

Festival) presenting a highly acclaimed exhibition and extensive programing related to Saudi contemporary art. The museum staff has been working with many local Muslim organizations and on campus with the Muslim Student Association and the Saudi Student Organization, as well as with Dr. Beverly Tsacoyianis, the specialist in 20th and 21st century Islamic history in the history department.

Meanwhile, at the Martha and Robert Fogelman Galleries of Contemporary Art, the semester’s first exhibit was the Department of Art’s BFA Selects Series, showcasing the work of an exemplary graduating BFA student. This year the solo show has been awarded to the mixed media artist Su Weichu. In September, performance artist Jose Torres Tama performed his nationally touring one-man show, “Aliens, Immigrants and Other Evildoers,” in which he satirized the status of immigrants as ‘extraterrestrials’ through a sci-fi prism informed by comic film shorts. Upcoming shows include the BFA and MFA Thesis Exhibitions and the Graphic Design Senior Exhibition.

This spring, CCFA will host a range of activities that recognize the 50th commemoration of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including a symposium sponsored by the Department of Communication, a showing downtown at the Halloran Center of the documentary film “At the River I Stand,” directed by professors Steven Ross, David Appleby and Allison Graham (Department of Communication), and an oral history project, which will include interviews, a multimedia project and the delivery of an oral history course, led by Dr. Roxanne Coche and Dr. Joe Hayden (Department of Journalism and Strategic Media) with Dr. Goudsouzian (Department of History), in collaboration with the National Civil Rights Museum.

My overall vision for CCFA, which each of these events and initiatives help to promote, is for it to be locally, nationally and internationally recognized as a model of excellence for its subject areas in teaching, research and creative practice, and community engagement. This goal is ambitious but, I believe, fully achievable.

The members of the CCFA community that I have had the pleasure to meet and to work with so far are talented, focused, creative and enthusiastic. So… let’s dream big, work hard, and enjoy the ride towards further achievements!

Sincerely,

Dr. Anne Hogan Dean, College of Communication and Fine Arts

ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 1

AROUND CCFA

Meeman 901 took on FedEx Institute, Nerd Night Projects

By Cody Prentiss, Journalism &

students to have their work get noticed

Nights feature three speakers each month

Strategic Media master’s student

and see what it is like to work under tight

discussing either their research or their

deadlines. “Students have the exciting

passions.

Meeman 901 Strategies, the studentrun strategic media firm at the University

ability to see their work displayed on

of Memphis, participated in two projects

campus,” Chaney said.

during the spring semester, both of which

The work with the FedEx Institute

Meeman 901 Strategies was started in spring 2014 by former public relations faculty member Darrin Devault to give

helped grow the firm and added new

included doing the posters, which

students practical experience in design,

clients to its operations.

were displayed around campus during

public relations and promotions. It is now a

the 2017 National Conference on

three-credit practicum course.

The students worked with the FedEx Institute of Technology to create 13

Undergraduate Research. The conference

posters on topics such as cybersecurity

brought more than 4,000 students and

campaign strategies, creation of social

and biologistics. Also, the students worked

faculty to campus those three days from

media content and event planning. For

with Nerd Night Memphis, a monthly

around the country.

more information about Meeman 901,

event designed to bring together people and academics.

Firm director Audrey Chaney said both projects were opportunities for

For Nerd Night, the group worked to design the logo and brand standards for

The firm can offer services such as

visit its website at meeman901strategies.com.

the monthly event, which is conducted at the Rec Room at 3000 Broad Ave. Nerd

Communication Student Wins Dean’s Creative Achievement Award Film and Video Production graduate

title character is played by Art alum

“Keep Pushing,” short documentary

Kevin Brooks (BA ’16) received the 2017

Lawrence Matthews (BA ’15). Myles is

Dean’s Creative Achievement Award. A

a skateboarder whose afternoon with

23-year-old award winning filmmaker from

friends in economically challenged areas

Memphis, Brooks has been involved with

of Memphis takes a bad turn. UofM alum

many video projects ranging from music

Asia Sims (MA ’17) co-produced the film.

2017 Finalists:

videos through school projects to directing

Recognition:

• Jarvis Boyland (BFA ’17), Art

his own short films. He has won countless

• Selected as finalist for the Girls Impact

• Austin Blake Conlee (BFA ’17), Theatre &

awards for his short films within the

The World Festival for short film

Memphis area, and his films have been

“Peighton,” which highlighted feminism

screened at major festivals such as Indie

in youth

Memphis and the National Film Festival

• Selected one of five top filmmakers out

for Talented Youth (NFFTY). He was also

of hundreds for the Sundance Ignite

selected as one of the five finalists for the

Program for Emerging Filmmakers

Sundance Ignite Program for his short film “Keep Pushing.” The program encourages emerging filmmakers who have a clear artistic passion for filmmaking.

His most recent film “Myles” debuted recently on nobudge.com, a free online showcase for quality independent shorts and feature films curated by alum Kentucker Audley (BA ‘05). The 2 VOICES Fall 2017

• Top 25 finalist for the Golden Globes filmmaking contest in 2016 • Top Prize at the UofM Go Pro Film Fest in 2015 • Best Student Film at Unreal Film Fest in 2013 • Semi-finalist for the Warner Bros Emerging Directors Program • Indie Memphis Special Jury Prize for

• Honored at the Adobe Max Conference in San Diego • Top 10 finalist for the Memphis Film Prize for “Marcus”

Dance • Addie James (BA ’17), Journalism and Strategic Media • Kyndle McMahan (BM ’17), Music

Dorothy Kayser Hohenberg Chair of Excellence Lecture Restoring Reputations: Exhibiting

Dr. Nunn has specialized in the

The Dorothy Kayser Hohenberg Chair

Women’s Work in the 21st Century

history of women artists since she began

of Excellence in Art History (COE) is a

Art Museum was the subject of the

her career in England in 1976. In 1989,

one-year appointment held by a visiting

Department of Art’s annual Dorothy Kayser

she went to work at the University of

scholar of the highest credentials. It was

Hohenberg Chair of Excellence this spring.

Canterbury in New Zealand, and since

established by the Hohenberg family in

The lecture, which looked at the issues

2008, has taught, researched and

memory of Dorothy Kayser Hohenberg.

and strategies involved in giving historic

curated as a freelance art historian. She

female artists their due in the museum

is known internationally for her work with

today, was given by the 2016-17 chair,

several ground-breaking publications and

Dr. Pamela Gerrish Nunn.

exhibitions to her credit.

For more information, call the Department of Art at 901.678.2216.

William Plenk Named Athletic Bands Director The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

Aimachi Marching Band from Nagoya,

the UCLA Wind Ensemble, and associate

has new band leadership this fall with the

Japan, the eight-time All Japan National

conductor of the UCLA Brass Ensemble.

addition of William Plenk to the faculty.

Champion. He has served on the staff of

He also received a Master of Music

Hired this summer, he serves as assistant

several drum and bugle corps including

degree in tuba performance from UCLA,

director of Bands and director of Athletic

The Academy, The Cadets, Boston

and a Bachelor of Music degree in tuba

Bands, overseeing the Mighty Sound of

Crusaders and Phantom Regiment.

performance from Ithaca College.

the South, the University of Memphis Pep

Plenk previously served for six years as

Plenk holds memberships in

Band and the University Band. He also will

associate director of Bands and director of

the College Band Directors National

and teach Marching Band Techniques and

Athletic Bands at the University of Nevada,

Association, College Music Society and

other courses in the School of Music.

Reno, developing the athletic band

National Association for Music Education

program into one of the most respected

and is an honorary member of Phi Mu

active as a clinician and adjudicator. He

in the region. He received his Doctor of

Alpha and the national band fraternity

has worked with concert bands and

Musical Arts degree in conducting from

Kappa Kappa Psi.

marching bands from across the United

the University of California, Los Angeles,

States, Singapore, and Japan, including

where he was conductor of the UCLA

a three-season tenure with the Tenrikyo

Symphonic Band, associate conductor of

Outside of the UofM, Plenk is highly

William R. Eubanks Distinguished Lecture Series The Department of Architecture hosted the William R. Eubanks Distinguished Lecture this spring featuring

projects, notably renovations of Brooklyn brownstones.

Manis taught architecture at the

The William R. Eubanks Distinguished Lecture was established in 2007 through an endowment by noted interior designer

Tina Manis, founding and principal partner

University of Pennsylvania Graduate Design

William R. Eubanks. Lectures in the

of Tina Manis Associates, LLC, in Brooklyn,

School in Philadelphia and Columbia

series are held annually with outstanding

New York. She is an architect and interior

University in New York, and has been a

architecture and interior design speakers.

designer who worked for British architect

guest critic at Princeton and Berkeley and

Richard Rogers and Dutch architect Rem

the Architectural Association in London. She

Manis, go to her website at

Koolhaas before going out on her own to

teaches interior design at The New School/

tinamanis.com.

design both commercial and residential

Parsons School of Design.

For more information about Tina

ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 3

AROUND CCFA

Recently Published Books by Journalism and Strategic Media Professors DR. TOM HRACH, “RIOT REPORT AND THE NEWS” Journalism faculty member Tom

BOSS CRUMP TO KING WILLIE” “From Boss Crump to King Willie:

otissanford.com.

How Race Changed Memphis Politics,”

Hrach released his first book, “The Riot

published by the University of Tennessee

Report and the News: How the Kerner

Press, chronicles the political history

Commission Changed Media Coverage

of Memphis from the 45-year reign of

of Black America” last year. In July, it

Edward H. Crump, boss of Memphis, to

received the 2017 Book of the Year Award

the election of Dr. Willie W. Herenton, the

from the American Journalism Historians

city’s first black mayor.

Association. The book is an examination

century. For more information, go to

The book explains in vivid detail how

of how the 1968 Kerner Commission

African Americans in Memphis fought for

developed its media criticism, which is

nearly a century for political acceptance

considered a milestone in the history of

and inclusion and tells the story of

journalism.

Memphians and the people they entrusted

PROFESSOR OTIS SANFORD, “FROM

with political power throughout the 20th

Otis Sanford

CCFA Faculty Retirements

Maestro Pu-qi Jiang

Maestro Pu-Qi Jiang Maestro Pu-Qi (pronounced Poo-

UofM in 2000, his MM and DMA orchestral

He is the founder of the Germantown

conducting programs have attracted

Performing Arts Centre Youth Symphony

talented young conductors from Australia,

Orchestra and led this young group on a

Canada, China, Columbia, Germany, Jordan,

concert tour to China in summer 2011.

Korea, Russia, Taiwan and the U.S. His

Also in 2011, he was the recipient of the

students have won the Solti Foundation

Germantown Arts Alliance Distinguished

U.S. Award, the fellowship of the American

Arts and Humanities Medal for Performing

Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music

Arts. In 2009, he received the UofM

Festival award and School and the honor

Faudree Professorship Award, which is

citation from the American Prize Orchestral

awarded in memory of former Provost

Conducting Competition.

Ralph Faudree.

He has led university faculty and student ensembles on concert tours in Beijing, China; Nanjing, China; Salzburg,

Dr. Sandra Sarkela Dr. Sandra Sarkela, associate professor

Austria; Prague, Czech Repubic and Vienna,

of communication studies, retired in June

Chi) Jiang conducted the University of

Austria. He conducted the University

after being at the UofM since 2005. During

Memphis Symphony Orchestra for the last

of Memphis Symphony Orchestra in a

her last two years, she served as interim

time in April. Jiang, director of Orchestras

performance of Mahler’s Symphony #2

chair of the Department of Communication.

in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music,

(mov. I, IV and V), which won the second

It was the second time in her UofM career

retired this spring.

prize in the American Prize Orchestral

that she stepped into the role.

During his career, Jiang has enjoyed an active international conducting schedule and taught at all levels. Since coming to the 4 VOICES Fall 2017

Performance Competition in 2011.

Jiang also has a passion for sharing his music experience with young music lovers.

Sarkela received her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Before coming to

the UofM, she taught in the Department of

Resources for Students Outstanding

Communication at State University of New

Faculty “See Me” Award; a National

York at Potsdam. Her teaching and research

Endowment for the Humanities “We the

center on the history and criticism of

People” summer stipend for 2010; two

Anglo-American public address, particularly

Outstanding Graduate Mentor awards from

18th century theory and practice and

the Tennessee Communication Association;

public address of American women. She is

a UofM President’s Leadership Recognition

currently revising a book-length monograph

Award; the 2004 President’s Award for

on the political rhetoric of John Dickson

Excellence in Teaching, SUNY Potsdam; and

(1732-1808).

inclusion in the Eastern Communication

She has received many awards

Association Committee of Scholars.

and honors, including a 2014 Disability

Sandy Sarkela

Phil Cannon Honored With Fund The FedEx St. Jude Classic and the

“The Phil Cannon Memorial

this as a perfect way to celebrate Cannon’s

University of Memphis have collaborated

Scholarship will significantly enhance

to create the Phil Cannon Memorial

our department’s new sports journalism

Scholarship Fund to benefit journalism

program,” said David Arant, chair of the

University of Memphis, a place that meant

students who have demonstrated a

Department of Journalism and Strategic

so much to Phil throughout his life,” Smith

commitment to the community.

Media. “Sports journalism is a rapidly

said. “Phil had a passion for journalism and

growing area for journalism study at

the people that work in the industry.”

Phil Cannon, a 1978 UofM Journalism

legacy.

“We are honored to partner with the

alumnus, was involved in the St. Jude

the University of Memphis, and this

Classic golf tournament for five years, and

scholarship spotlights the opportunities

at the TPC Southwind gold course, and

he served as tournament director from

for our students in the field of sports

it attracts the biggest names on the PGA

1999 to 2015. After his death in October

journalism.”

tour. Contributions to the fund can be

2016, friends of Canon and the tournament decided to establish the fund in his honor.

Current FedEx St. Jude Classic

The tournament is conducted in June

made to the FedEx St. Jude Classic.

Tournament Director Darrell Smith sees

Norm Brewer First Amendment Lecture Held Keith Woods, vice president for

Woods was city editor of the New Orleans

Diversity in News and Operations at

Times-Picayune, where he directed an

National Public Radio, was the guest

award-winning series of articles on race in

speaker for the sixth annual Norm Brewer

America. He is also the co-author of “The

First Amendment Lecture this past spring.

Authentic Voice: The Best Reporting on

He discussed “The Media and Race in the

Race and Ethnicity,” which was published

Era of Donald Trump.” The lecture is held

in 2006.

in memory of longtime Memphis journalist Norm Brewer.

For more information about this lecture, contact Otis Sanford, Hardin

Woods joined NPR in 2010 after

Chair of Excellence in Journalism,

serving as dean of faculty and director of

at o.sanford@memphis.edu or

diversity at the Poynter Institute for Media

901.678.3669.

Studies in St. Petersburg, Fla. Prior to that,

Keith Woods

ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 5

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Bailey Clark, Department of Journalism and Strategic Media Growing up in the suburbs of

As a freshman, Clark worked as a

and professors supported me and helped

Memphis, Bailey Clark’s life was fairly

photographer at The Daily Helmsman

normal except for the 10 years she spent

and credited this opportunity for inspiring

competing in horse shows.

her to strive for her current career goals.

her departmental professors has been

Building on that, she interned at an online

her favorite part of being a student at the

for multiple hours, so I guess that isn’t

publication, Choose901, before deciding to

UofM. Professors Roxane Coche and Matt

exactly normal for most kids,” Clark joked.

study abroad.

Haught have been particularly supportive,

“I was at the barn every day training

The second youngest of six children,

Clark knew she wanted to eventually

make it happen.”

According to Clark, the support of

with Haught having had the biggest

she has two brothers and three sisters

study in another country. One of her

impact. “He’s always helped me, whether

and parents who supported her no matter

older sisters had studied in Florence, Italy,

it be proofreading an article or finding an

what she wanted to do.

and she came to the UofM knowing she

internship. I wouldn’t have my internship

wanted to follow her wanderlust footsteps.

in Paris if it weren’t for him. When I came

“My mom always jokes that I owe her a good spot in the retirement home

“I knew I wanted to study abroad. I

because of the countless weekends she

chose the UofM because I knew I could

completely and helped me find a way to

spent at horse shows with me,” she said.

study abroad here more than at other

make it happen.”

“It’s true. I do!”

schools.”

Coming to the University of Memphis

She went to Paris the first semester

to him with the idea, he supported it

Her tenacity and support led her to fashion photographer Boris Ovini, where

opened her up to new possibilities. A

of her sophomore year and fell in love

she landed an internship that involved

person who goes after what she wants,

with the city, the culture and the people.

assisting him on photo shoots and with

Clark brought the same level of passion

Having made some good friends, French

image post-production. In addition, she

she had as an equestrienne to her studies

and otherwise, she decided part of the

worked a bit with Ovini’s publication,

and pursuit of valuable experience. As

way through her semester abroad that she

Exhibition Magazine, and helped create

an equestrienne, she once trained and

wanted to stay.

mood boards for potential photoshoots.

competed on a horse that won the United

“The thought of leaving honestly gave

“Sometimes the hours are long, but I

States Equestrian Federation National

me anxiety. At that point, I started looking

love it,” Clark said. “I learned more in three

Horse of the Year in its division. As a

for internships because that would be

months than I thought possible.”

student, she wanted to gain the hands-on

the easiest way to stay—internships and

experience necessary to get the most out

online classes,” she said. “I got very lucky

will end in December, but she is planning

of her education.

that I found one, and that my parents

to pursue a Master’s degree in Paris after

6 VOICES Fall 2017

The internship began in February and

Clark relaxes at the French Riviera.

she graduates in spring 2018. As valuable

both of these things and also continue to

She enjoys running around taking her

as the experience with the international

learn,” said Clark, who is a self-proclaimed

own photos and getting brunch. When it

photographer has been, she would not

nerd.

is sunny outside, which according to Clark

consider it her greatest achievement as a student.

“That’s just normal life for me, so

When her internship ends, the plan is to come back to Memphis and finish school. She would like to work and save

is rare for Paris, she goes to the park or by the Seine to read a book.

“I honestly don’t know how I keep

it’s not really an achievement at the

money to travel—maybe back to Paris to

a balance. I think it involves lots of list

same time. I guess a better way to look

visit friends or a new locale.

making and being organized. Work comes

at it would be that I’m proud that I’m

“Probably a new place,” she said.

first, then I make a list of school work that

graduating a year early, and I spent half of

Her ultimate career goal is to work in

I need to get done, and then I have time

that time living abroad.”

photojournalism, maybe something like

set aside for friends. Normally, one or two

National Geographic. “I like learning about

nights a week after work and Sundays are

Clark is now on track to get her bachelor’s

different cultures and people’s stories and

for school, and then I’m free to have a

in journalism with a minor in French in

capturing them in photos, so I figure that

social life after that.”

May 2018.

would be a pretty good fit.”

Originally slated to graduate May 2019,

“I chose journalism because I like to write and travel. I figure I can combine

Although she works and studies hard, Clark still tries to find time to have fun. ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 7

CCFA’s Future

Following the one and only dean of a college that

“CCFA is at an exciting moment in its development,

has been around since the late 1970s might be a

and my vision is for it to attain even greater local,

daunting task for some, but for Dr. Anne Hogan, it was

national and international visibility,” she said. “I believe

the next step in her career that she was eager to take.

that the college is moving forward from a position

“I was really excited when I learned about the

of strength, and there is huge potential for it to be

opening at CCFA, because it was exactly the kind

renowned as a paradigm of excellence for its subject

of challenge I had been hoping for,” Hogan said.

areas in teaching, research and creative practice, and

“I enjoyed the international aspects of my previous

community engagement.”

position as director of education at the Royal Academy

In her first week, Hogan hit the ground running,

of Dance. In seeking a new opportunity, however, I

getting a crash course on the college offerings during

was looking for a leadership role that would utilize my

the National Conference on Undergraduate Research

international experience and allow me to work across a

that was held at the University of Memphis. This

range of subject areas, similar to those I oversaw in my

conference, which coincidentally was scheduled to be

former role as associate dean of Humanities & Arts at

on campus the week she started, brought a national

London Metropolitan University.”

audience of students and faculty to Memphis allowing

Hogan took over as dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts in April, replacing Dr. Richard R. Ranta, founding dean, who held the position for 39 years. When the college opened in 1977, it did so with the departments of

each college and

I believe that the college is moving forward from a position of strength

”

Art, Journalism, Music

school on campus to showcase their programs.

Since then, the more she learned about the college’s achievements, the exceptional levels of support for its students and the opportunities to engage with the

and Speech & Drama. It has grown and now contains

community and professional sector, the more impressed

the departments of Architecture, Art, Communication,

she became.

Journalism and Strategic Media and Theatre &

She said one of her main goals is to build upon

Dance, as well as the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music,

CCFA’s considerable track record of community

the Institute for Egyptian Art and Archaeology, the

engagement, and to develop further initiatives that

Center for Sustainable Design, the Art Museum of the

enrich the cultural and economic wellbeing of the local

University of Memphis and The Martha and Robert

community, such as the partnership with the Memphis

Fogelman Galleries of Contemporary Art.

Symphony.

A former dancer with experience overseeing

In addition to getting more visibility for the college,

arts and communication areas, Hogan understands

Hogan identified curricular development as another key

the particular needs of academics who are creative

priority.

practitioners and will support faculty in tapping that

“We need to maintain a relevant and academically

creativity to forge innovative approaches to teaching

rigorous portfolio of undergraduate and graduate

and to research. Her global mindset and experience

programs in order to facilitate student achievement and

with alumni and external relations, as well as her ability

graduate employability,” she said.

to nurture interdisciplinary initiatives and links with the

To achieve these goals, it will be important to

community, make her the ideal person to take CCFA

maintain a stimulating and positive atmosphere and

into the future.

physical environment. Already, initiatives like the new (Continued on page 10)

ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 9

Dean Hogan (right) relaxes in the Berlin State Ballet Studio with dancers from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Graduate Program for professional dancers.

(Continued from page 9)

Scheidt Family Music Center give CCFA that desired impact on the cultural landscape of Memphis.

“It’s the ambience, the CCFA spirit, that has been

She said turning the potential of the College into reality depends upon refining and implementing a strategic roadmap for achieving this vision of excellence,

and will be the determining factor in its long-term

through collaboration with President M. David Rudd,

success, and I will do my utmost to nurture a dynamic,

Provost Karen Weddle-West and CCFA faculty, staff and

rewarding, inclusive and supportive habitat for CCFA

alumni, as well as other members of the university.

students, faculty and staff.”

“I am proud to join an institution with such a clearly

Less than a month after starting her new role, Hogan held the first CCFA town hall meeting, something she plans to continue on a regular basis to allow an open, two-way flow of

articulated ethos of

My goals for CCFA are ambitions but, I believe, fully achievable.

”

communication. During

inclusivity and respect for artistic expression.

I am inspired by its capacity to align its global vision with its commitment to the local community. While it’s large enough to enjoy the resources of

the meeting, she described her vision and opened the

a research university, it also manages to maintain a

floor for suggestions on ways to engage and attract

friendly, personalized environment,” Hogan said.

the community, as well as how to build interdisciplinary

CCFA’s commitment to the local community, which

partnerships and programming. In addition, she brought

is part of her strategic vision, is already evident in a

to the college an idea that has been circulating for a

variety of neighborhoods. It is seen in special projects

while with CCFA leadership–establishing an arts festival

such as the Crosstown Arts and the old Sears Crosstown

that would allow each department to be showcased to

building revitalization, beautification murals on buildings

the community.

and in parks and sustainability projects. In a place like

“It will be essential to keep the CCFA community informed of our progress in achieving our goals, and to ensure that there are ongoing opportunities for constituents to feed into, and feel invested in, the evolution of the College.”

10 VOICES Fall 2017

Memphis, CCFA is especially positioned to show off its creative chops.

Get to Know Dean Anne Hogan First-time Memphian, Anne Hogan, PhD, new dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, had

before moving to a new country,” she joked.

While in Paris, she found herself back in ballet and

always wanted to visit the Bluff City but never had the

the dance world, founding a small company with two

opportunity until she came to the University of Memphis

other dancers/choreographers. She later decided that

for her interview.

it was time to align her work as a practitioner with her

“From my first view of sunset over the Mississippi, I was sold,” she said. “Getting a glimpse of the many distinct neighborhoods of Memphis, and a sense of the

broader academic aspiration and moved to the United Kingdom to do so.

This new career direction took her to the London

impact the arts and media have on developing those

Contemporary Dance School, where she served as

areas, further fueled my anticipation for making the

head of Postgraduate Studies and Research. Most

move here.”

recently, she was director of education at the Royal

Growing up in Quincy, Mass., a suburb of Boston,

Academy of Dance (RAD), based in London, and

Hogan was an athletic child, involved in figure skating,

senior advisor for international partnerships, based in

sledding, cycling and ballet. She started taking ballet

the U.S. In her role, she established partnerships with

lessons at the age of 12, going on to train with the

higher education and arts institutions from Australia to

Boston School of Ballet. In high school, she began

China to North America.

dancing as an apprentice with the Boston Ballet

“While my career has focused on administrative roles,

Company and joined the company after graduation.

I make time to get back into the studio whenever I can.

It was a tremendous opportunity for her to dance in a

Along with ballet-based technique class, I love teaching a

varied, challenging repertoire and to travel.

conditioning class I have developed, called Classicore, which

“In fact, the very first plane ride I ever took was as a member of the company’s first world tour, which

combines ballet-based floor exercises and Pilates mat work.”

Although different from the other places she has

brought us to China, Israel, Hong Kong and Europe.

lived, Memphis has an appeal that draws her in and

That was so long ago that Beijing was still called

makes her want to get to know more about her new

Peking, and is main mode of transit was bicycles.”

home, the people, and the arts and cultural landscape.

For several summers, they toured in productions

“Memphis—what a cool place to live! For a city of

starring Rudolf Nureyev. A relatively small company

its size, Memphis supports a remarkable amount of

at that time, each dancer had to dance each act so,

cultural offerings—performances, museums, galleries

although fun, the tours were challenging. She would

and outdoor festivals. It’s fantastic. Its thriving cultural

dance for a short time with the Pacific Northwest Ballet,

scene and its reputation for hospitality are enormously

which also had an extensive repertoire, before returning

attractive, and I am eager to learn about the city

to the Boston Ballet.

through my work as well as by establishing personal

Eventually, she decided it was time to pursue her dream of university study. She graduated summa cum

roots here.”

Still very active, Hogan loves to walk and cycle,

laude with a BA in English Literature from Harvard

so she is looking forward to exploring the city’s

University and went on to graduate studies at Brown

neighborhoods and trails, including the Memphis

University. When it was time to work on her doctoral

Downtown Riverwalk. Her active lifestyle will help her

dissertation, she moved to Paris and taught English

build a healthy appetite, lending her the opportunity to

literature at the American University of Paris, where she

try the long list of restaurants about which she has read.

later served as director of Alumni Relations and Annual

“It certainly seems like Memphis is a food lovers’

Fund Giving.

“Living in Paris was an amazing and enriching

haven, so doing so might be a long-term project! I am truly thrilled about my new role with the University of

experience, although learning French was rather daunting.

Memphis, and by the prospect of exploring all that

I would definitely recommend learning the language first

Memphis has to offer.”

ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 11

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Teri Feigelson (BFA ’81), Department of Theatre & Dance Theatre was in her blood, and Teri Kennedy Feigelson knew she wanted to be on stage. Her father, Dr. James Keith Kennedy, was the first director of theatre at then-Memphis State University and the man responsible for bringing the controversial anti-war musical Hair to campus.

“My dad had the greatest impact on me and still does,”

“I suppose I used it as a kind of therapy, but also to treasure the remarkable people I worked with and for.”

After years of writing as a pastime, Feigelson took her new passion back to the stage.

Her first play, Mountain View, won the New Works at the Works competition in 2014 and was produced by Playhouse on

Feigelson said of her father who passed away in December 2008

the Square’s Theatre Works in 2015. She won the 2015 Ostrander

of congestive heart failure. “There is not a day that goes by that I

Award for Best Original Script and Best Original Music for her

don’t think of him or hear his wisdom whispering into my ear. I’m

lyrics. Sponsored by Arts Memphis and Memphis Magazine, the

old enough now that I truly pay attention.”

Ostrander Awards are annual theatre honors named for the late

She graduated in 1981 with her BFA in theatre, concentrating in performance. In addition to her father, Theatre Professor Josie Helming was an inspiration for her during her college years.

“Josie was my acting teacher and mentor during college, but she also happened to be my first babysitter. I knew her most of my life. The theatre is one big and very interesting family.”

After graduation, Feigelson tried to make a career of acting,

Jim Ostrander, longtime Memphis theatre icon.

“My proudest collaborative moment to date was opening night of Mountain View. My proudest achievement was having written it and it being my very first play.”

That kind of success out of the gate was exciting and fulfilling, but being able to tell her stories and do justice to her characters is what is really satisfying.

but a few years later, she decided to return to the University of

“The characters come into my life and then just start talking,”

Memphis and earned a master’s degree in social work in 1992.

Feigelson said. “I might see an image or hear a song and then we

She became interested in social work during her acting years

are off to the races and that flow that happens is indescribable.

through her connection with Kelly Services, a temporary agency

Hours can go by and it feels like minutes. Time disappears and I

used by actors who needed income between shows.

am nowhere but in my play. It’s how I imagine going into another

While she was a social worker, Feigelson discovered a new passion and talent for writing. During that time, she wrote prolifically, using it as a way to funnel her creative energy.

dimension would feel like. That is pretty rewarding.”

She said collaborating with artists and getting to see the work come to life is also quite fulfilling. She said she enjoyed “hearing my words said aloud in beautiful and often surprising ways, feeling the audience being moved by something I’ve written.”

The cast of Mountain View poses on stage.

12 VOICES Fall 2017

T he cast for Mountain View included Alice Rainey Berry (seated, BA ‘94 and MA ‘12) who handles publicity and promotions for the Department of Theatre & Dance.

Her second play, Moon Vine, also won the New Works at the Works playwriting competition and was produced by Theatre Works in 2016. She is currently working on a western called The

Through the years, Feigelson learned that it is important to go after your dreams because it’s better than living with regret.

“I learned that giving up makes you feel worse in the long

Out There, set in west Texas in the late 1800s. She chose this

run than staying the course and being a complete failure. In other

setting because of the similarities between today’s world and

words … stick! I only wish my Dad could be here to see that I

the Wild West. Her play focuses on the fearless entrepreneurship

finally came back into the fold after having been out of the theatre

and the kind of prosaic emotional and physical violence that is so

all of those years and that when I did, I did all right.”

commonplace that people accept it as a guiding principle used to navigate through life.

“I never dreamed I’d be doing this. I thought I’d be an actress working the regional theatre circuits.” Feigelson said.

“I’m a playwright. I am a writer. I write plays. It wasn’t something I planned to do, it just evolved in a relatively recent and serendipitously beautiful way.”

She does not spend all her time writing, but her main hobby, gardening, connects her to writing.

“Pen and paper are garden tools for the mind and trowel and hoe instruments of inspiration. I feel like I go full circle from ground to page and back again.”

She balances her professional and personal life by scheduling specific time during the day for writing, and she strictly adheres to it. At the end of the day, she truly enjoys spending time with her husband watching classic movies. ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 13

Scheidt Family Music Center Ceremonial Groundbreaking

On Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, the University of Memphis

been met. Part of that support came through the Take

will “break ground” on the Scheidt Family Music Center.

Your Seat Campaign, which allowed donors to name a

The ceremonial groundbreaking will take place in the

seat and become a permanent part of the new premier

Central Parking Lot, located on the east side of the

destination for the arts. Based on the donation, a

Holiday Inn.

nameplate will be placed on a seat in the performance

According to Dr. Anne Hogan, dean of the UofM’s College of Communication and Fine Arts, “Not only will

hall with the donor’s choice of name on it.

The new construction is important to the future

the Scheidt Family Music Center provide a beautiful and

of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Because of the

fitting home for our outstanding School of Music, but

age and design of the current music building, the music

it will also enhance our ability to offer an even wider

productions and community programs are limited in

array of musical performances and opportunities to the

scope. The new venue will allow the School of Music

community at large. This long-awaited groundbreaking

to address issues such as lack of stage space, seating

ceremony is a thrilling occasion to celebrate the Rudi E.

and acoustically appropriate spaces, while providing the

Scheidt School of Music and our administration, faculty

capacity to bring larger productions to campus and the

and friends who have worked so tirelessly to bring it

ability to build upon existing relationships with other arts

about.”

programs in the city of Memphis.

The project is becoming a reality thanks to the

The relationship between the Memphis Symphony

generous support of friends, faculty, staff and donors

Orchestra (MSO) is one that will be strengthened

without whom the $40 million goal would not have

through this new construction. In May, the UofM and

14 VOICES Fall 2017

MSO announced a partnership that will make the Rudi E.

citizens of the Mid-South to experience the full range of

Scheidt School of Music the premier destination in the

musical offerings created by the partnership.

Mid-South for music training and performance, music

As one of Tennessee’s only doctoral degree-granting

outreach and arts-centered, cross-sector community

programs in music, the new facility will help the School of

development.

Music celebrate the innovative spirit of their students and

"The Board, staff and players of the MSO are extremely excited about what the new music center will

continue to attract high-caliber talent to the University.

“We are the best school of music in this part of the

mean for not only the University area, but the whole

country, but we don’t have the facilities to match or even

community. The opportunities for public performance,

come close to the level of programming we offer,” said

professional mentoring, and community engagement are

John Chiego, director of the School of Music. “The new

limitless and serve as a centerpiece of the trailblazing

Scheidt Family Music Center will give our world class

partnership between the MSO and the University of

faculty and students a world class facility matching the

Memphis. Get ready to hear some beautiful music," said

quality of our program.”

Peter Abell, president and CEO of MSO. As part of that partnership, Memphis Symphony

For questions about how to be a part

Orchestra in Residence at the University of Memphis will

of our continued success, please contact

offer a series of world-class symphonic music on campus.

Katherine Goliver at k.goliver@memphis.edu or

These top quality performances at the UofM will create

901.678.4372.

a rich opportunity for students, faculty, patrons and all

ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 15

Help support students, faculty and programs with contributions to the

College of Communication and Fine Arts Enrichment Fund

Make checks payable to the CCFA Enrichment Fund and mail to: UofM Foundation PO Box 1000, Dept. 238 Memphis TN 38148-0001 Or donate online at memphis.edu/give and select Communication and Fine Arts.

ART MUSEUM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS EXHIBITION

SAUDI CONTEMPORARY ART IN MEMPHIS, TN

Special symposium: November 5, 2017 On display through: January 6, 2018 Desert to Delta is part of a United States program of Saudi contemporary art organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, a Saudi Aramco, and produced in collaboration with Culturunners, a UK-based platform for international artist exchange. Desert to Delta is one of ten separately curated exhibitions shown in 2016 through 2018 in Houston, Aspen, San Francisco, Lewiston, Maine, Los Angeles, Detroit, Salt Lake City, Memphis, Washington, D.C. and Brooklyn.

16 VOICES Fall 2017

IN THE COMMUNITY

School of Music Partners With Art For Life’s Sake

By Carol Morse, Rudi E. Scheidt

underrepresented children to have access

appreciation for the arts. The engagement

School of Music

to the arts. Programs are aimed at children

of students in the arts after school, on

ages 4 to 14, with pre-K children reached

weekends and during summers also

by special projects.

reduces the likelihood that youth are

The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music recently began another community partnership, this time with Art For Life’s

“Our partnership with Art for Life’s

making choices that are counterproductive

Sake (AFLS). The school provides the

Sake allows us to serve the community in

program with space to deliver music

a way that perhaps no other organization

education classes and instruction on

can,” said John Chiego, director of the

said, “I began studying the violin at Art For

string instruments. Dr. Hattie Isen, the

School of Music. “We have the expertise

Life’s Sake at the age of 4. I participated

organization’s founder, made this request

of our faculty and with our students to

in the myriad opportunities that existed

because the space they had been using

help in their educational mission by having

at AFLS — summer programs, Saturday

had become unaffordable.

them on our campus. It gives them a

classes, cultural activities, performances

more prominent profile in the community,

and so much more. Studying violin at AFLS

arts access and musical exposure for at-

which should allow them to grow in their

provided me with the opportunity to work

risk children. Isen founded the organization

mission.”

with highly experienced violin instructors. It

For two decades, AFLS has provided

in 1990 while working as an elementary

to happy, safe and productive futures.

Former participant Sokoya Cooper

Since 1990, approximately 723

was this foundation that provided me the

counseling supervisor for Memphis City

students have had access to Art for

opportunity to play in multiple orchestras:

Schools. She learned from her experience

Life’s Sake. Of this number, some have

Colonial Middle School, Overton High

and research that training in and exposure

auditioned for and entered one of the

School, and both the Memphis Youth

to the arts empowers students who may

Memphis Youth Symphony programs,

Symphony Ensemble and Sinfonia. I am so

be at risk of making choices that are

middle and high school orchestras, and

grateful for all of the opportunities that this

counterproductive to a healthy future.

a few have participated in college-level

organization has given me and opened

strings programs. Progress consultations,

doors to, that I decided to come back to

to young people regardless of gender, race,

informal surveys and performance

help the next generation of AFLS students

family income, ethnic background, religious

assessments suggest participants are

and help the organization as a whole.”

traditions or disabilities, the organization’s

better focused as students, are inspired

main mission is to create opportunities for

to achieve more, and show more

Although AFLS programs are available

Hear 901 Featured Top UofM Talent This year’s Hear 901 featured some of

After having reached one million

Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes and Half Moon

the hottest acts the University of Memphis

streams on Spotify, The Band CAMINO

Run, Aaron’s music explores the never-

has to offer. A production of Blue TOM

took the stage performing new music

ending journey of finding yourself.

Records, part of the Rudi E. Scheidt School

for their fans from their recently released

of Music, the festival was held at The Bluff,

album Heaven. They built a strong local

Memphis Ukulele Band and the Mason

a new music venue on South Highland.

fan base with their debut album, My

Jar Fireflies, Kyndle McMahan has made

Title sponsor for this year’s festival was

Thoughts on You, landing them a slot in

a name for herself in Memphis. Her

Green Machine Concerts. Produced

the 2016 Beale Street Music Festival.

incredible voice has led to a strong local

Indie folk artist Aaron James

performance schedule and landed her in

lineup included The Band CAMINO, Aaron

celebrated the release of his album

David Porter’s Consortium MMT program

James, Kyndle McMahan, Sonic Pulse,

Caught in the Corner of a Half Moon, at

as an Emerging Star.

Flirting with Sincerity and Haley Daniels.

the festival. Inspired by folk storytellers like

entirely by UofM students, the show’s

Already known for her role in the

(continued on page 18) ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 17

IN THE COMMUNITY (continued from page 17)

Formerly Altars Ego, Sonic Pulse is a

to Memphis and joined forces with

from SZA, Leon and Alessia Cara. Her

four-piece rock band based in Memphis.

Tony Forte and Casey Triplett. Although

interest in diverse genres of music

Originally from Los Angeles, brothers

compared to Pearl Jam and The Eagles,

developed her sound of Soul-R&B Pop.

Brandon and Tommie Closson moved

Sonic Pulse has created a sound that is all

Centering on self-reliance, Haley’s music

their own.

expresses a message of being able to love

Flirting with Sincerity won the

yourself with no limitations.

Mississippi Music Foundation’s New Artist of the Year award in 2015 and

Blue TOM Records, a record label

was nominated the following year for

managed entirely by UofM students. In

Songwriter of the Year. They take their

addition to producing this festival, the

admiration for theatrics, jazz, metal, soul

student label releases new albums every

and classic rock, and incorporate them all

year and produces the annual This Is

into their musical language.

Memphis music festival held in the fall.

Haley Daniels is an up-and-coming Photo credit: Adrian Berryhill

Hear 901 is produced yearly by

singer-songwriter with musical influences

Go to bluetomrecords.com for more information.

Professor Provides Background for TED Talks Graphic Design Assistant Professor Brandon Bell, working with photographer

Theatre in New York.

live camel in the heart of Times Square.

The background involved a full-stage

The physical set design was by NYC-

Sarah Rossi and animator Dan Baker,

video screen with the content created by

based Seth Easter Design and consisted

created a backdrop for three TED Talks

Bell and his team in Memphis. Hosted

entirely of LED screens wrapping the stage.

Live videos filmed at the Town Hall

by producer and comedian Baratunde

The screens were filled with animations,

Thurston and actor and singer Sara

video, and photography that Bell, Rossi

Ramirez, the three programs, “TED Talks:

and Baker designed. It was programmed

Education Revolution,” “TED Talks: War &

on-site by New York-based Peter Acken.

Peace” and “TED Talks: Science & Wonder”

Background images used in a TED Talk were shot at Idlewild Elementary in Midtown.

Bell and Rossi photographed some of

featured talks by educators, war veterans,

the material for the series at the University

journalists, scientists, artists and actors.

of Memphis, Memphis Equipment

They also showcased performances by

Company and Idlewild Elementary.

Meshell Ndegeocello, Anna Devere Smith,

For more information, go to

Rufus Wainwright, and an appearance by a

pbs.org/program/ted-talks.

Photography Honors Class Took Trip to Japan This summer, David Horan, photography instructor and faculty advisor,

Photography in Japan: Temples, Shrines

took 20 honors students to Japan for a

and Peace Parks.”

study abroad trip to study Japanese culture

Hiraizumi Temple 18 VOICES Fall 2017

spring and suggested by Horan called “Zen

The students are from a variety of

and religion (Shinto and Buddhism) and

majors, but among them are five students

to document temples and shrines. The

from the College of Communication and

experience was the culmination of a newly

Fine Arts. They include Film and Video

created 14-week course offered in the

Production student Louis Day in the

Department of Communication; Graphic

and daily life while getting accustomed

Nagano, while refining digital imaging skills

Design student Breanna Parker, Photography

to and comfortable with the unfamiliar

during scheduled lab times.

student Kristin Smith and Painting student

environment. They then went to their

Sadie Tomes in the Department of Art; and

host institution, J.F. Oberlin University, in

at least 10 significant images and kept a

Music Industry student Michael Whitehead in

the Tokyo suburb of Machida, where they

journal of their experiences, as well as notes

the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.

had access to digital photo facilities and

concerning history and culture. A formal

First, the students traveled through

housing. They ventured out regularly to

written presentation accompanied each

Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyaiima and Nara to get

visit shrines, temples, cultural sites and

portfolio. At the end of the trip, a final class

an introduction to Japanese culture, food

museums and took a two-day trip to

exhibition was held at Oberlin in Tokyo.

Each student produced a portfolio of

Community Art Academy Held at Library Art Education faculty and students in

the six-week program attracted 23

reception was held in the library’s gallery

the Department of Art collaborated with

participants, ages 9-12. Each week, the

and the completed works of art were

the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library for

program provided participants a free, high-

displayed in the gallery during April. Each

the spring Community Art Academy. The

quality art program that supported literacy

participant received a t-shirt, sketchbook

program provides weekly art lessons to

development and the visual arts. Art alums

and book at the closing reception.

participants from public, private and home

Jenny Hornby (MA) and Dolly Herciuk

school environments, giving Art Education

(BFA) were contacts for the program.

majors the opportunity to teach in a community setting.

Funded by the Friends of the Library,

Art Education majors taught art lessons including: watercolor painting, puppets,

For more information about the Community Art Academy or Art Education please contact Dr. Bryna Bobick, bbobick@memphis.edu.

collage, ceramics and book arts. A closing

Kallen Esperian: Vissi d’arte Kallen Esperian: Vissi d’arte, an

“When the festival director first

invitation to join me at the screening ...

hour-long documentary by Department of

contacted me to let me know that the

and to perform a few arias following the

Communication Professor Steve Ross, was

film had been selected, we started talking

film and Q&A,” Ross said.

featured at the American Documentary

about Kallen, and what a wonderful

Film Festival in Palm Springs, California.

presence she is. I told him how terrific it

Ross, Esperian and Beard attended a

The film chronicles the ongoing comeback

was when she and her accompanist Gary

special screening of the film at Memphis

by famed Memphis-based opera singer

Beard performed a few numbers following

Brooks Museum of Art. The film was also

Kallen Esperian. Ross, Esperian and Gary

the closing night screening of the film at

broadcast on WKNO.

Beard, her accompanist, attended the

this year’s Indie Memphis film festival. He

event.

asked for their contact information, and

After returning from Palm Springs,

For more information about the film, email Ross at sjross@memphis.edu.

within a few days they had accepted his

Overton Selected GRAMMY Signature School Overton High School, one of the

Enterprise Award by the GRAMMY

Part of the GRAMMY in the Schools,

College of Communication and Fine

Museum. Overton was one of seven

The GRAMMY Signature Schools program

Arts adopted schools, has been selected

economically underserved schools in the

was created in 1998 to recognize public

for a 2017 GRAMMY Signature Schools

U.S. chosen for this honor.

high schools that make an outstanding (continued on page 20) ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 19

IN THE COMMUNITY (continued from page 19)

commitment to music education during

2017 GRAMMY Signature Schools

2017 GRAMMY Signature Schools

an academic school year. Each school

Enterprise Awards supported by the

Enterprise Awards supported by the

received a custom award and monetary

Chuck Lorre Family Foundation • Culver City High School—Culver City, California • Huntington Park High School— Huntington Park, California • Manual Arts High School—Los Angeles • Robert Fulton College Preparatory School—Van Nuys, California

Ford Motor Company Fund • East Anchorage High School—Anchorage, Alaska • Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville— Chicago • Overton High School—Memphis, Tennessee

grant to help its music program.

The GRAMMY Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating a greater understanding of the history and significance of music.

Oak Elementary Art Exhibit on Display at the UofM Artwork from students at Oak

King Tutankhamen. She was able to do so

real linen and antiquities. I decided to ask if

Elementary School in Bartlett was on

because of a grant from the Tennessee Arts

the art work the students produced could be

display in the Art and Communication

Commission for Arts Integration.

displayed on campus.” The students created

Building this past spring.

The special exhibition was the result

“As I began planning the project,

six golden mummies and Tutor asked if

the thought occurred to me that the

the work could be displayed at the UofM.

of a request by Department of Art alum

University of Memphis has an Institute of

“Originally there were seven, but apparently,

Amanda Tutor (BFA ’03), art teacher at

Egyptian Art & Archaeology, and we are so

a marauding group of kindergarteners

the local school. She wanted to teach her

fortunate to have this unique field of study

damaged one of the pictures beyond

favorite art project from her elementary

in our community,” Tutor said. “I wanted

repair partway through its creation,” joked

school days, the creation of a life-sized

the students to be exposed to as much

Podzorski after the exhibition ended.

model of the front of the sarcophagus of

authentic information as possible and meet real Egyptologists.”

IEAA hosted a reception for the students so their friends and families could see their

Dana McKelvy, a College of

work. Dr. Cathy Wilson, Tutor’s childhood

Communication and Fine Arts donor,

art teacher and inspiration behind the art

graduate of the Department of History and

project, attended the event as well.

an auditing art history student, spoke to the students.

“She did a fabulous job with our students,” Tutor said. “She brought books,

For more information about art history, go to memphis.edu/art. For more information about IEAA, go to memphis.edu/egypt.

Music Professor Takes Students to Memphis in Poland Festival Dr. Marcin Arendt, violin professor in

and Sopot are sister cities about a half hour

international audience in the Baltic region’s

the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, led a

drive apart from each other in northern

festival capital.

group of University of Memphis musicians

Poland.

during a concert at the Memphis in Poland

The idea for the Memphis in Poland

The long term aim of the festival will be to solidify partnership between the regions

Festival at the legendary Forest Opera in

Festival was conceived after the 2015

that will flourish for many years to come,

Sopot, Poland, June 2017.

Memphis in May International Festival,

providing opportunities for educational and

saluting Poland that year. The purpose

cultural exchanges, facilitating commerce

musicians led musical master classes for

of the festival is to share music, arts

and promoting tourism.

students at the Gdansk University. Gdansk

and culture native to Memphis with an

In addition to the concert, the

20 VOICES Fall 2017

NEWS & NOTES

ARCHITECTURE About 20 architecture students participated in an educational trip to see the award-winning design of the rain garden at City Hall in Germantown. The design was by landscape architecture firm Dalhoff Thomas Design. The American Institute of Architects Student Chapter regularly offers students at least one, usually two, off-campus professional development opportunities each month in addition to one on-campus lecture or activity. These activities help provide valuable learning experiences for students and helps build relationships with participating design firms.

FACULTY Jim Williamson was selected the 2017 Francis Gassner Award winner from the Memphis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Awarded annually since 1977, the “Gassner” is the highest award AIA Memphis gives to individuals.

STUDENTS Brock Terwilleger, a BFA in architecture student, was one of 60 members of the American Institute of Architecture Students worldwide selected to participate in a special three-day workshop at Disney Imagineering Studios.

AIAS Imagine: Top 60-at-60 is an honor that showcases top AIAS students.

ART The department hosted a campus field trip for Rozelle CAPA students. During the trip, BFA students discussed their work that was on display for their senior exhibition, sharing their process with the students. Art faculty Beth Edwards and Greely Myatt also discussed art and their processes, and answered questions from students. Bryan Blankenship, 3D Shop technician, made ceramic pieces to show students and demonstrate the process of creativity.

FACULTY Beth Edwards won the 2017 UofM Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award. Her most recent major exhibition, “Encounters,” was at the Grisham Gallery in the Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville, Ala. Richard A. Lou, chair, won the 2017 UofM Alumni Association Distinguished Achievement in the Creative Arts Award.

Lou was also recognized this year by his alma mater Clemson University where he received his MFA in 1986. He was inducted as part of the founding class of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities Hall of Fame for his contributions to the fine arts.

Bryna Bobick won the 2017 UofM Dean’s Award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship. She most recently published Handbook of Research on the Facilitation of Civic Engagement through Community Art (co-edited with Leigh Hersey, IGI Global, 2017). Bryna also co-authored a paper with Jenny Hornby (MA ‘10) called “A Survey of Teen Museum Education Participants and their Parents” for The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas.

Earnestine Jenkins won the 2017 UofM Dean’s Award for Outstanding Research. She most recently published “Race, Representation, and Photography in 19th Century Memphis: From Emancipation to Jim Crow” (Ashgate 2016).

K. Brandon Bell contributed stage projection design to Lincoln Center's The American Songbook Gala honoring CBS. Hosted by James Corden, the live event was the opening night of the annual four-month Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series.

Virginia Solomon spoke at Dixon Gallery & Gardens on “Defined by Difference – American Art and American Identity.” She also gave a gallery tour of LGBTQ artwork at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Beth Edwards gave a mini-retrospective at Rhodes College called “Over Time.” It included work from 1993 to the present.

ALUMNI Jody Stokes-Casey (MA and Graduate Certificate ‘14) had an essay published in the Winter 2016 issue of Tennessee Historical Quarterly titled “Richard Lou’s ReCovering Memphis: Conceptual Iconoclasm of the Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument.” The original paper was drafted as a final project for the course ARTH 7140 Graduate Problems: Renaissance Iconoclasm taught by Todd Richardson.

Twins Jerry and Terry Lynn (BFA ‘01) were featured in Nashville Arts Magazine for their exhibition at the Tennessee Arts Commission Gallery. The twins are a phenomenon in the art world, known for their unique style of painting that is perfectly in sync during their simultaneous collaborations.

STUDENTS Graphic Design students Benjamin Ardon, Kaitlyn Hoover and Catherine Knowles worked with Assistant Professor K. Brandon Bell on video animations for the Crosstown Concourse Grand Opening event that took place in August. The motion graphics were included in a documentary on the history and revitalization of the building, produced and directed by Crosstown Arts’ Justin Thompson.

COMMUNICATION FACULTY Christina Moss has won the Southern States Communication Association John I. Sisco Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The award honors members who have consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching communication throughout their academic careers. This fall, Christina joins the UofM main campus faculty as assistant (continued on page 22) ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 21

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professor of Rhetoric and Gender Studies.

She was previously a lecturer at the Lambuth campus.

Sandra Sarkela, former department interim chair, received the 2016 Tennessee Communication Association Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award.

Katherine Hendrix and Flora Wei (PhD ‘05) published their essay “Minority and Majority Faculty Members in a Historically Black College/University: Redefining Professors’ Teacher Credibility and Classroom Management” in the online journal Qualitative Research Reports in Communication. Katherine is co-editor of a special issue of the journal, Communication Education, focusing on diversity and instructional research. In addition to the editors’ introduction “Interrogating the Darkness” and a forum on diversity and scholarship on instructional communication, Katherine is co-author of the essay “The Contours of Progress: Parsing Diversity and Difference Studies.”

Amanda Edgar’s essay “Commenting Straight from the Underground: N.W.A., Police Brutality, and YouTube as a Space for Neoliberal Resistance” was published in the September-October issue of the Southern Communication Journal.

Andre Johnson’s essay “Teaching in Ferguson: A Rhetorical Autoethnography from a Scholar/Activist,” was published in the September-October issue of the Southern Communication Journal.

ALUMNI Ryan Earl Parker (BA ’01) was featured in an article in the Commercial Appeal about his move to New York to further his cinematography career. Ryan has a reputation in Memphis as being Memphis’ best. His most recent work, “Sweet, Sweet Lonely Girl,” directed by A.D. Calvo, debuted at Malco Studio on the Square in May. He has been part of the Grizzlies home game television crew since the team came to Memphis.

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Jeremy Donaldson (BA ‘13) was a finalist for the American Society of Cinematographers Student Award Competition for “Isa and the Frog Prince,” work he did in the grad program at Florida State University.

STUDENTS Undergraduate communication majors Adrianna Tucker, Mackenzie Joy, Devante Hubbard and Christian Brown’s film #CelebrateDiversity won Best Documentary at the Tennessee Communication Association annual meeting. The film was their final project in COMM 2101 Media & Information Literacy.

Doctoral student Steven Gaines received the Tennessee Communication Association top graduate student paper award for his presentation “Constrained Prophetic Rhetoric: White Fragility and Radio Sermons in the Summer of 1968.”

INSTITUTE FOR EGYPTIAN ART & ARCHAEOLOGY “Reconstructing Eternity: Recent Epigraphic findings in the Forecourt of Ramesses II at Luxor Temple” was the title of the Institute of Egyptian Art & Archaeology’s lecture by University of Memphis student Erika Feleg, a PhD candidate in History.

JOURNALISM & STRATEGIC MEDIA At the 2016 alumni awards ceremony, the following awards were presented: Frank Thorsberg (BA ’78) received the Charles E. Thornton Award; Elise Mitchell (MA ’92) received the Charles E. Thornton Award; David Arant, JRSM chair received the Herbert Lee Williams Award; Megan Harris (BA ’11) received the Outstanding Young Alumna Award and Jonathan Capriel (BA ’17) received the Emerging Journalist Award.

FACULTY Matt Haught received the 2016 Mike Pennington Award for Outstanding Student Mentoring at the University of Memphis Journalism and Strategic Media Alumni Club awards dinner in October 2016. The award is given to the faculty member who has been an exemplary guide and mentor to students and is named in memory of Mike Pennington, who earned his bachelor’s degree at the UofM in 1972.

ALUMNI Addie James (BA ‘17) won a sliver ADDY award in February for her photographs in the winter/spring issue of Southern Bride Magazine. She was also one of six 2017 finalists for the Dean’s Creative Achievement Award.

Jonathan Capriel (BA ’17) was recognized for his investigative piece “University of Memphis Paid More Than $2.3 Million to Run Mostly Empty Busses,” which appeared in The Daily Helmsman in April 2016.

Jasmine Hockett (BA ‘14) is the Digital Marketing and Communications manager at Meharry Medical College of Graduate Studies and Research in Nashville and communications director for Grammy award- winning artist, Don Flemmons, as well as a Huffington Post blogger. She also does digital content management for Valerie June Tunes Inc. Amelia Ables (MA ‘15) was hired as assistant account executive at KQ Communications, where she will support and execute public relations, marketing and social media plans.

Fabiola Cervantes (BA ’11) was featured in an article in the Memphis Daily News about her work helping connect and empower Memphis’ 81,000 Latino residents and the pride she has in her heritage.

STUDENTS Derrick Arrington, Brittany Lee, Nicole Johnson, Summer Spencer, Daniel Thompson and Charles Bettnedorf represented the UofM at the District 7 portion of the National Advertising Student Competition. The students pitched an original advertising campaign, which included marketing and advertising research by the students, for Tai Pei Frozen Foods.

Jeff Carter, known as “Sketchy Jeffy,” took first place in the Society of Professional Journalists regional Mark of Excellence awards for editorial cartooning. He was honored for his cartoon of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton trading barbs after the first presidential debate in October 2016.

He will be considered for the national Mark of Excellence Award during the national SPJ conference in September.

The staff of The Daily Helmsman was recognized for being Best All Around Daily Campus Newspaper at the Society of Professional Journalists regional convention. Also at the convention, reporter and design editor Brittany Wolfe ranked eighth, reporter Makayla Boswell ranked seventh and reporter John Klyce ranked fourth in the “Best Feature Writing” category.

RUDI E. SCHEIDT SCHOOL OF MUSIC FACULTY Since November, Jack Cooper has hosted “The Voice of Jazz” on WUMR 91.7 FM, a focused presentation of historically significant jazz music and artists plus new releases.

Ken Kreitner is one of a team of international music historians working on a project entitled “The Anatomy of Late 15thCentury and Early 16th-Century Iberian Polyphonic Music.” The team includes researchers based in CESEM at the Lisbon NOVA University, Portugal, Institució Milà I Fontanals, Barcelona, Spain, and the University of Oxford, UK.

Armand Hall presented at the Tennessee Music Education Association All-State Conference and the All-West Conference. He taught at camps in Traverse City, Mich., and at the Archipelago Chamber Music Festival. Armand was selected for the PRIZM ensemble Board of Directors and the CBDNA/NBA/MFA Title I Mentorship Sub-Committee.

Heather Klossner made presentations at the Texas Music Educators Conference, Eastman School of Music, the Capital Area Orff Chapter of the American Orff Schulwerk Association in Austin, Texas, and the Galena Park districts in Houston, Texas, and at the American Orff Schulwerk Association National Conference in Atlantic City, N.J.. She was also awarded the Donald J. Shetler Prize for Excellence in Music Education, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y. Elise Blatchford went to Yale University in October to begin work with harpist/ composer Hannah Lash on developing new duos for flute and harp. The pair will perform at Yale again in February. Other activities include concerts and master classes at Indiana University, University of Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Southern Mississippi, and concerts in New York and Boston with her wind quintet, the City of Tomorrow. She was also involved in the creation of the Greater Memphis Flute Association, a local group that supports the development of middle and high school flute players and works to increase opportunities for networking and development for local professionals.

Ryan Fisher was recently awarded the 2016 Lee University School of Music Distinguished Alumnus Award. He was selected to serve on the Update: Applications of Research in Music Education editorial board and as the Higher Education chair for the Tennessee Music Education Association. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Lee University School of Music. He also conducted various honor choirs in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

ALUMNI Percussionist Benny Reiner (attended 2008-10) is playing in the orchestra for the Broadway hit Hamilton. He was recommended by a drummer in the Broadway community to Alex Lacamoire, orchestrator and music supervisor of the show. He is also an artist representative for three instrument manufacturers— Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks and Craviotto drums. He exclusively uses these instruments.

Jeremy Warren (BM ’12) released his premiere recording album I Can Do All Things. The album features prominent performers and composers such as Andy Milne, Lenny Pickett, Leon Marin and Jack Cooper and mixes jazz with elements of contemporary popular music. It is a personal journey of overcoming life’s challenges through music. Jeremy taught elementary music in Shelby County before moving to attend New York University in 2013, earning his master’s in 2015. He has performed and recorded with a variety of big name jazz artists.

Alumna Delara Hashemi (MM ‘16, flute performance) performs regularly as a substitute flutist for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Several 2016 music education graduates received teaching jobs in the area.

They are Kinsey Moline (BM ‘16), Colonial Middle School choir director; Chris Weiner (BM ‘16), Millington Elementary music teacher; Cheryl Kelley-Henderson (PhD ‘16), Upper School assistant principal of KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools.

Mark Snyder (DMA ‘07) performed a multimedia recital in fall 2016 at Penn State University. He is assistant professor of Music at the University of Mary Washington teaching courses in electronic music, composition and theory.

STUDENTS Students from our Vocal Arts Division returned winners from the National (continued on page 24) ccfa.memphis.edu VOICES 23

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Association of Teachers of Singing Auditions held at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., in October 2016. Winners included undergraduates Garrett Addington and Emma Wieland, students of Susan Owen-Leinert, and Gabriella Galletti, student of Kyle Ferrill. Our graduate level students also brought home first place prizes: Jacob Paul, Andrew Harper and Sarah Harper, all students of Ferrill.

Amber Joy Cleveland, a senior instrumental music education student, was awarded “Outstanding Collegiate Member” by the Tennessee Music Education Association for her leadership as president of the UofM National Association of Music Educators (NAfME) chapter.

Naomi Ziegler, a senior instrumental music education student, received the “Collegiate Leadership Award” from the Tennessee Music Education Association.

PhD music education student, Nancy Summitt, is serving as coordinator of Music Education at the University of Tennessee Martin.

THEATRE & DANCE The department brought Tony-nominated lyricist/composer Amanda Green to The Halloran Centre at The Orpheum in November 2016 for a one-night event.

The daughter of legendary Broadway lyricist/playwright Adolph Green (Singin’ in the Rain and On the Town) discussed her

illustrious Broadway career and her father’s legacy, as well as performed songs from her own solo show.

ALUMNI Pablo Guerra-Monje (MFA' 00), associate professor at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. His invention, The Focus Buddy, was selected for the 2017 Technical Invention Prize exhibition by the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians. The selected entries was exhibited at 2017 Technical Invention Prize Exhibition during 2017 World Stage Design on July 1-9 at Taipei National University of the Arts in Taipei, Taiwan.

Calling all donors, alumni and students! Send news and notes to ccfa@memphis.edu.

IN MEMORIAM We would like to honor some friends of CCFA who have passed away since the last year’s of Voices was published.

Former UofM Band Director Sydney “Doc” McKay, 79, passed away in August 2016. Doc was a major influence in the Mid-South and national music community during his 44-year career, including 28 at the UofM. He spent his life dedicated to inspiring his students to make music and was known for judging band events and hosting musical clinics around the country, Mexico, Europe and Japan. While at the UofM he helped revive the Bandmasters Championship, moving it to its current home at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. He was inducted into the Tennessee Bandmaster Association Hall of Fame in 2015. He was awarded the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence award, and he received their Mentor of the Year award in 2001. He retired from the UofM in 2003.

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William Christenberry, 80, passed away in November 2016. Photographer and painter, Bill was faculty member in the Department of Art in the 1960s. He was famous for his photos of the South taken with his Brownie camera, simple and inexpensive camera made by Eastman Kodak. After moving to Washington, D.C. in 1968, he returned to Memphis on several occasions over the years to guest lecture.

William was the 1996 recipient of the College of Communication and Fine Arts Distinguished Achievement Award in the Creative and Performing Arts.

If you would like to give in honor of an alum, student or faculty member, please call 901.678.3953 or go to memphis.edu/give

THANK YOU The faculty and staff of CCFA would like to thank you, our donors, for your continued support of our programs and activities through your generous donations. Because of your kindness, we are able to provide the best education to our students, as well as quality performances, concerts and exhibitions to our community. We cordially invite you to take a tour, visit our facilities or come to one of our events to see the results of your generosity. For more information, visit us online at memphis.edu/ccfa or call 901.678.2350.

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