Still dancing after 45 years

In 1978, the Westminster College Dance Theatre waltzed, leapt or perhaps pirouetted into existence, welcoming dancers of all skill levels to the studio. Year after year, the dance troupe has married movement and joy, and their choreographed pieces are gracefully brought to life on stage. More than four decades later, Dance Theatre continues to attract all styles of dance—whether it’s jazz, ballet, hip hop or even interpretive dance—and proudly showcases the dancers’ skills and accomplishments at an annual recital on the Orr stage. This year, following months of rehearsals in the Old 77 dance studio, dancers celebrated the company’s 45th anniversary and its first full production since 2019. Under the guidance of adviser Mackenzie Basalla ’19, the 2023 Dance Theatre spring showcase “Footloose” featured 17 dancers, one company opener and 13 group dances.

Thanks for your responses!

We had a great response to our fall 2022 From the Archives photo featuring head coach Buzz Ridl and the Towering Titans from the 1959-1960 season. While we were able to identify Chuck Davis and Ron Galbreath, we left it up to our alumni to fill in the blanks—and they gave us a slam dunk. Thank you to Jack Ridl ’67, Bill Rankin ’60, Christopher Shinkman M’65, Allen Jenks ’63, Andy Warren ’65 and Wilber Jones ’62. Front from left are Bob Douds ’62, Bill Douds ’62, Steve Stolarik ’61, Jack Steele ’61, Ron Minnie ’60, Nick Johnson ’60 and manager Ben Fast ’60. Back row from left are Leroy Shaw ’61, John Walker ’60, Don McCaig ’60, Chuck Davis ’60, Ron Galbreath ’62, assistant coach Cleve Oliver and head coach Buzz Ridl ’42

Thank you!

Investing is a personal decision that comes from a combination of thought, care and sacrifice. On behalf of the Westminster College campus community, we are thankful you’ve chosen to invest in our students. As we have been privileged to watch the everyday excitement unfold on campus this year, it reminds us how important you are in fostering the vitality of our students’ campus experience.

Thank you for everything! I would not be where I am without this huge help. It definitely takes a load off my back having such support behind me.

Thank you for supporting an institution that consistently values relationships with its students and creates positive outcomes unlike any other.

Your gift makes a difference.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to study here. I’ve learned so many new things, I’ve become a healthier version of myself and I’ve been surrounded by amazing people.

The support from our alumni and friends makes it possible for us to provide students from a variety of backgrounds with a quality and transformative Westminster College education. Nearly 95% of Westminster students receive some form of scholarship. All unrestricted gifts to the Westminster Fund are now used for annual scholarships. Annual funding secured through the Westminster Fund is vital in order to bridge the gap between what students and their families pay and the actual cost of their education. We hope you’ll consider a gift. Simply visit us online at www.westminster.edu/give.