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Congratulations on the Work and Effort This Moment Represents‼️🎓

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Congratulations on the Work and Effort This Moment Represents‼️🎓

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Take pride that you can now put initials behind your name because of the work and effort that represents. Congratulations on the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. As someone who has pivoted through various industries and areas of the arts, remember to not only pursue your passion, but take your passion with you in all you do. The skills you learn in the arts are skills for life. Best!

-Merrill Matheson, MFA
Manager of Individual Giving,
Pioneer Theatre Company

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Congratulations Vinhson! We are so proud of you and thankful for what you've done for our fraternity. Watching you grow throughout your college years from VP of Recruitment to serving on Inter-Fraternity Council, and watching you build our house back up is incredible! Your outgoing personality shines through all of us brother! We are excited to see what you accomplish in your career!
-Love your SigEp brothers

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Screaming CONGRATULATIONS all the way from Paducah, KY to @jaeweit & all the 2020 graduating class. Not only have u rose to the challenges of recent events but u SLAYED them!! I’ve had the honor of seeing most of u in shows throughout the past 4 years & each & every one of u are amazingly talented. U have chosen to follow ur passion & chase ur dreams; very few people do that. Keep pushing boundaries, keep coloring outside the lines, break through every ceiling & NEVER allow anyone to hold u back or box u in. U are all an inspiration!!
“@jaeweit, we are all so proud of u. Four years ago, against a lot of opposition u walked onto that campus with a dream. Over the past 4 years I’ve had the honor of watching u not only follow ur passion but also become the magnificent human u are today. I truly am in awe of u! I have always & will ALWAYS be ur biggest fan! I hope the world is ready for u because ur going to SLAY!!
ALL my love,
Mom❤️“
CONGRATS UofU Theatre~Class of 2020!!🎊🎉👏

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Dear CFA and Department of Theatre Graduates

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Dear CFA and Department of Theatre Graduates

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I haven't been here very long and I haven't met many of you personally, but I have already been moved as a champion for everything you will accomplish! Thank you for being such a welcoming and ambitious group of students to work with during the beginning of my journey at the U. You've inspired me and many others with your creativity, and I can't wait to see what the brighter future you'll create will bring!

<3 Anastasia Drandakis
New Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Department of Theatre

Recently Inducted Member of #TEAMCFA

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To the Ballet and Modern Dance Students of 2020

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To the Ballet and Modern Dance Students of 2020

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It has been a delight watching all of you grow as artists
and we treasure the opportunities we have had to get
to know many of you individually.  Best wishes for your
future. John & Martha Veranth

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I congratulate you on your accomplishment. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and the beginning of the next chapter in your life.
-Michelle Coulam Addison
Administrative Officer, School of Music

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Congrats LeAnne Hodges! I’m so proud of you! ❤️ Aunt Steph

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Film Production in Italy was the best moment of my college life, and probably entire life. Thanks for everything you’ve all done, and for always inspiring me to be the best I can be.
-Luka Redmond, EAE (Games) & FMA (Animation) 2020

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Your college years are only the ending of the first chapter of this grand adventure called life.  Now go out into the world and finish your story!
~ Laurie Langdon

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First ArtsForce Career Trek to Salt Lake Acting Company and Radiant Studios!
- LeAnne Hodges
Class of 2020, Film and Media Arts

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I wanted to thank you for the wonderful example of work that have inspired me throughout the year! It was definitely a unique experience for me to come back to school at my age as a freshman in the ATP and I really want to you think you from the bottom of my heart -in helping me feel welcome & being open to answering questions and truly being amazing!  Also those that I had the wonderful opportunity to participate with in Floyd Collins, thank you for your letters of encouragement support and example through the entire process! I really loved working with you!  Wherever you go I know you will have fond memories of your experiences in college and remember this really as a wonderful time in your lives!
❤️❤️❤️
Steve Mathews

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A video message from Assistant Professor and Sound Design Advisor Jennifer Jackson, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professor and Sound Design Advisor Jennifer Jackson, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Technical Director Halee Rasmussen, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Technical Director Halee Rasmussen, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Professor Xan Johnson, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Professor Xan Johnson, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Adjunct Instructor Eric Sciotto, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Adjunct Instructor Eric Sciotto, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Adjunct Assistant Professor Lynn Deboeck, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Adjunct Assistant Professor Lynn Deboeck, Department of Theatre

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A song for you from Modern Dance Program Head & Associate Professor Michael Wall, School of Dance

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A song for you from Modern Dance Program Head & Associate Professor Michael Wall, School of Dance

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A video message from Associate Professor Chris DuVal, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Associate Professor Chris DuVal, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Sydney Cheek O'Donnell, CFA Associate Dean for Research and Associate Professor, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Sydney Cheek O'Donnell, CFA Associate Dean for Research and Associate Professor, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Associate Professor Wendy Wischer, Department of Art & Art History

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A video message from Associate Professor Wendy Wischer, Department of Art & Art History

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A video message from Assistant Professor Sara Pickett, School of Dance

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A video message from Assistant Professor Sara Pickett, School of Dance

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A video message from Professor Sarah Shippobotham, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Professor Sarah Shippobotham, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professor Seth Keeton, School of Music 

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A video message from Assistant Professor Seth Keeton, School of Music 

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A video message from Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Chris Lippard, Department of Film & Media Arts 

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A video message from Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Chris Lippard, Department of Film & Media Arts 

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A video message from Professor Maureen O'Hara Ure, Department of Art & Art History

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A video message from Professor Maureen O'Hara Ure, Department of Art & Art History

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A video message from Kelby McIntyre-Martinez, Assistant Dean for Arts Education & Community Engagement

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A video message from Kelby McIntyre-Martinez, Assistant Dean for Arts Education & Community Engagement

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Congratulations Class of 2020: Kelby McIntyre-Martinez, Assistant Dean for Arts Education & Community Engagement

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A video message from Assistant Professor Brian Manternach, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professor Brian Manternach, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Professor (and former Chair) Gage Williams, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Professor (and former Chair) Gage Williams, Department of Theatre

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Thank you for sharing the last few years of your life with us. I hope that your time at the U positively changed you. Your class certainly impacted us.

I value your enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to your craft. I admire your focus and search to uncover what truly matters.

We need your independent thought, technological savvy, and confidence. Extraordinary times can create extraordinary people. I do not doubt that you possess the empathy and skills to move us forward together.

April Goddard
Staff, College of Fine Arts

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Lines from a poem to send you on your way, of course...

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Lines from a poem to send you on your way, of course...

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"I love you for what you are,
But I love you yet more for what you are going to be.
You are going forward toward something great.
I am on the way with you and therefore I love you."
Carl Sandberg

Congratulations, and all best wishes,
Margo Andrews
Associate Professor
Theater Department

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BRAVO on your graduation! We are incredibly proud of you. Cheers for an exciting and fulfilling career in the arts!

Onward...
Jennifer Price-Wallin
Chair, Fine Arts Advisory Board

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A message from Associate Director for Faculty and Professor Pamela Geber Handman and Associate Director for Graduate Programs and Associate Professor Eric Handman

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A message from Associate Director for Faculty and Professor Pamela Geber Handman and Associate Director for Graduate Programs and Associate Professor Eric Handman

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To quote School of Dance legend and Faculty Emeritus Abby Fiat, "Improvisation is the best training for life."

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A video message from Director Luc Vanier, School of Dance

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A video message from Director Luc Vanier, School of Dance

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A video message from Assistant Professor Christistopher Always-Ramsey, School of Dance

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A video message from Assistant Professor Christistopher Always-Ramsey, School of Dance

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A video message from Director Miguel Chuaqui, School of Music

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A video message from Director Miguel Chuaqui, School of Music

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A video message from Director of the School of Music, Miguel Chauqui

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A video message from Director of the School of Music, Miguel Chauqui

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A video message from Associate Professor Connie Wilkerson, Department of Film & Media Arts 

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A video message from Associate Professor Connie Wilkerson, Department of Film & Media Arts 

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CONGRATULATIONS! You did it!

"The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before." Neil Gaiman

I can't wait to see all the amazing things you do following your graduation. Please stay in touch! Thanks for inspiring all of us,

Cami Sheridan
Staff, Dept of Theatre

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I’m Lisa Evans, chair of the School of Music Advisory Board.  We work behind the scene to raise money for scholarships, Red Hots, student travel, instruments for the lending library, refurbishing the student lounge, buying furniture for the Bastian Atrium and 4th floor and adding bottle filling station water fountains.  We want our School of Music students to be happy!  But our very favorite thing is listening and watching you perform in recitals, at our board meetings, at the Grand Theatre, Kingsbury Hall, Dumke and Libby Gardner Halls.  On behalf of the board, I want to say thank you for choosing music and beauty and for improving our quality of life these past four years.  We will follow your careers and lives with great interest.
Best, best wishes to U all!
Lisa Evans

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Congratulations and BRAVO on your well-deserved success!
Any time you encounter a difficult task that seems unachievable, remember all the challenging finals you were able to finish—that culminated in your graduation.
Thank you for inspiring me daily with your brilliance and creativity.

With love,

Josiane Dubois
Official U of U CFA Cheerleader
Former Theatre Badass Employee

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A video message from Associate Professor Kirstin Chávez, School of Music 

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A video message from Associate Professor Kirstin Chávez, School of Music 

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Cheers from Associate Professor David and Assistant Professor Shalee Schmidt, Department of Theatre Musical Theatre Program

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Cheers from Associate Professor David and Assistant Professor Shalee Schmidt, Department of Theatre Musical Theatre Program

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A friend of mine badly needed a truck to move some materials for a project. Every time he saw someone he knew and they would ask "How are you?" he would reply, "I am great! But I really need a truck."

In less than a week, he had one to use.

Ask for what you want and don't be shy. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, go get what you're looking for.  Show up consistently for the work that you think is worthwhile. If you want to be involved, ask the person who is leading the charge when you can start.

We're your community, today and tomorrow.
Congratulations and go get 'em.

Emeri Fetzer
Communications, Dean's Office

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A video message from Adjunct Associate Professor Stacey Jenson, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Adjunct Associate Professor Stacey Jenson, Department of Theatre

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Congratulations Class of 2020: Stacey Jenson, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professor Natalie Desch, School of Dance

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A video message from Assistant Professor Natalie Desch, School of Dance

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Congratulations Class of 2020: Assistant Professor Natalie Desch, School of Dance

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A video message from former Chair and Associate Professor Kevin Hanson, Department of  Film & Media Arts

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A video message from former Chair and Associate Professor Kevin Hanson, Department of  Film & Media Arts

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A video message from Adjunct Assistant Professor Mark Fossen, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Adjunct Assistant Professor Mark Fossen, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professor Pablo Piantino, School of Dance

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A video message from Assistant Professor Pablo Piantino, School of Dance

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Congratulations Class of 2020: Pablo Piantino, Assistant Professor, School of Dance

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A video message from Chair Andrew Patrick Nelson, Department of Film &. Media Arts

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A video message from Chair Andrew Patrick Nelson, Department of Film &. Media Arts

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Congratulations Class of 2020: Andrew Patrick Nelson, Chair, Department of Film & Media Arts

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A video message from Chair Harris Smith, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Chair Harris Smith, Department of Theatre

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A video message from Professor Donn Schaefer, School of Music

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A video message from Professor Donn Schaefer, School of Music

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An influential experience in the School of Dance was a teaching exchange to Panama City, Panama. The immersion in Panamanian dance and culture made me realize the power movement has as a cross-cultural communication and interpersonal connection.
- Nora Marie Henrikson, School of Dance

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Seniors of "Floyd Collins," Department of Theatre 

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Seniors of "Floyd Collins," Department of Theatre 

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One of the best things that I got to experience was performing as Giselle in Utah Ballet this year. Giselle has been my dream role for as long as I can remember, and it was such a gift to be able to make that dream a reality at the U.
-Sydney May
Class of 2020, School of Dance

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I love orchestra, and it has been so great to perform with the Utah Philharmonia under Dr. Baldwin. This concert was of Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony and it was mind-blowingly awesome. I love the focus and fun we have in orchestra, and in the cello section.
- Ambrynn Chantel Bowman, School of Music

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A video message from Lisa Chaufty, director of McKay Music Library 

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A video message from Lisa Chaufty, director of McKay Music Library 

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Congratulations and nice work! I can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll contribute to The Arts in the future. Keep in touch!

Kate Wolsey
Internship Coordinator, CFA

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A virtual procession for the COVID-19 Class,

Let’s face it you all rate as incredibly so Bada$$*!

Embrace it and own it for we simply can’t mass,

To each of you we say BOOM! and ching-ching a wineglass!

Monte Caldwell
UofU Piano Performance
Music Advisory Board
Fine Arts Advisory Board

*Bada$$ - a person who is the best of the best at what they do professionally and/or personally and/or educationally.     wiktionary.org

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Congratulations and thank you for having the courage to choose a major in the arts. We need you now more than ever.
I hope your future is Delovely!
Brian Manternach, Assistant Professor, Department of Theatre

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Thank you for your passion, your hard work, and especially your joy! I couldn't be more proud.

Robert Scott Smith
Assistant Professor, Theatre

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From Assistant Professor Michael James Edwards, Film & Media Arts 

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From Assistant Professor Michael James Edwards, Film & Media Arts 

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A video message from Associate Professor Ed Bateman, Art & Art History

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A video message from Associate Professor Ed Bateman, Art & Art History

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A video message from Professor Bob Nelson, Theatre

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A video message from Professor Bob Nelson, Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professor Amber Bielinski, Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professor Amber Bielinski, Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professors Miriam and Sonia Albert Sobrino, Film & Media Arts 

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A video message from Assistant Professors Miriam and Sonia Albert Sobrino, Film & Media Arts 

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A video message from Professor Robert Baldwin, School of Music 

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A video message from Professor Robert Baldwin, School of Music 

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A video message from Art History faculty! 

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A video message from Art History faculty! 

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A video message from Assistant Professor Alexandra Harbold, Theatre

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A video message from Assistant Professor Alexandra Harbold, Theatre

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Congrats Class of 2020!
It has been such a pleasure to teach, explore and share together the last four years. Remember to spread your light and art. You will do amazing things and I will be cheering you on from Utah!
Go Utes!
Christine Moore

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Congratulations on getting here!! It has taken a lot of work, persistence, dedication and heart to get to this point - and that's just for a normal end to four taxing years of study. To get to this point today, under these extraordinary circumstances,  has also required courage, flexibility, thinking outside the box and an ability to hope for a new normal. I salute your brilliance and your fortitude and look forward to the ways in which you will shape the future!!
Happy graduation!
Sarah Shippobotham, Professor, Theatre.

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-Whitney Tassie, Senior Curator and Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art

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-Jorge Rojas, Director of Learning and Engagement at the UMFA

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You have completed another milestone on your journey. There will be many more. Enjoy the trip!

-Marilyn Whitehead
Fine Arts Advisory Board

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What graduation meant to me:

Graduation is not the end. It is a new beginning and even when the future is uncertain, graduation is a time to reflect on all the things you've accomplished until this point. It's ok not to know what's happening next because if I've learned anything since my graduation, it is that life never goes exactly the way you plan. Graduation is a moment of retrospection and prospection. Be proud of what you did and look forward to what comes next.

-Cynthia Chen,
Alumni, School of Music

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As a staff member of the College of Fine Arts who joined you 2 years ago, I have continuously been inspired by your boundless talent, tenacious drive, and positive spirit throughout your many semesters. The normalcy of life has currently presented itself in a unique way, yet that has not stopped you from creating. For that, we are extremely grateful. The virtual sharing of your artistic expertise has been a positive light during this new (but temporary) normal. Working with our donors to the College in my role, I have received ample messages of appreciation for the happiness that you have brought them now, previously, and the excitement you're causing for the future.

Despite this conclusion being one that is non-traditional, please know that the faculty and staff are here to support you as you continue on to the next chapter. YOU will continue to be that positive light in individual's lives no matter where you land. Always strive to keep your personal ideals a part of your foundation and remember that you know yourself better than anyone else. Spark happiness - reimagine creativity - never apologize for your art.

Congratulations and cheers to reaching such a huge milestone!
- Blake Bratcher
CFA Office of Advancement

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A helpful tip to get you excited & motivated for what lies ahead:

This is your time to network, expand your horizons, and pursue what YOU want to pursue. You don't have to be locked down to one thing - express your creativity with the world and branch out, take risks and step out of your comfort zone to make those connections and be your organic self. The arts are a phenomenal lifestyle and career, as there are so many creative works and ways to stay fulfilled, and to never stay stagnant in one place, unlike so many corporate occupations. The arts hold many fun and unique jobs, and the joy you will receive from knowing that you are pursuing something with your talents, is insurmountable. Get out there, don't be afraid to fall and fail, and know that so many of the greatest opportunities in life will surprise you out of nowhere. Stay focused on you and your creations , and be the best human being you can be.

-Ron Totman
Alumni, School of Music

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These quotes have stuck with me since graduating from high school. In life, there will always be ups and downs, successes and failures. Never ever give up on your passion.

"Whatever your talent, use it in every way possible. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke." -Brendan Francis

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." -Winston Churchill

Cheers to the class of 2020!

Genevieve Christianson
Fine Arts Advisory Board

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A message from School of Dance alumna Laja Field

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"She Kills Monsters" was the last show that I was on a stage management team, and it took place in Kingsbury Hall. This was the stage management team for the show as well as our last day of performances.
- Kiersten Nicole Farley
Department of Theatre

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The day after we were told we were not coming back from Spring Break; I went up to the U to get my senior pictures taken for the announcements (pre-planned photoshoot). Little did I know it would be my last time going up to the U as an undergrad.
- Cameron Layne Gabrielson

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Fiona Hannan as Nellie in FLOYD COLLINS at the U of U Babcock Theatre this spring. Her most favorite place in the world is on stage! What a journey it has been. Love to all!

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All of the Graphic Design seniors that took this class agree that this was our favorite class ever! Kent Christensen is a wonderful human being, and we all looked forward to our weekly therapy session.
- Taryn Elizabeth Hardman
Art & Art History

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It's been fun to play both in ensemble and as a soloist in the Early Music Ensemble on a new instrument! It has been refreshing and honestly a blast to learn.
- Ambrynn Chantel Bowman
School of Music

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-Tyler Chen
Class of 2020, School of Music

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Performing the role of Cunégonde (Candide) with the University of Utah Lyric Opera Ensemble was such a thrilling experience to start my DMA-Voice Performance program (2017). Such a beautiful memory I will never forget!
-Elizabeth Jane Peters,
Class of 2020, School of Music

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This photo was taken at a collaboration photo shoot during fall semester 2019 of the Photo Departments 2020 graduating class. This is one of the many times we all worked together to create art. We became such a solid group and I already miss everyone.
-Araceli Alexandria Haslam
Class of 2020, Art & Art History

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Film Study Abroad students in Agrigento, Italy!
-Katie Phillips
Class of 2020, Film & Media Arts

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One of my favorite memories from my time at the School of Dance was when Anouk van Dijk came to work with us. She collaborated with a large group of dancers on a piece that explored community, musicality, and perception in today's world.
-Alicia Ross
Class of 2020, School of Dance

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A video message from Assistant Professor Peyden Shelton, School of Music

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A video message from Assistant Professor Peyden Shelton, School of Music

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The greatest success comes from the greatest challenge. Those challenges also help refine your goals and priorities. Keep your heart and mind on what matters most and you'll be amazed by how much you can accomplish. Good luck to you all!
- David Habben,
Alumni, Art & Art History

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A video message from Professor Beth Krensky, Art & Art History

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A video message from Professor Beth Krensky, Art & Art History

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You should feel on top of the world, don't let this little hiccup change how you feel about your accomplishment. Revel with all the glory you can for this is one of the biggest accomplishments of your life, but don't revel in the present too long, look forward to the future goals you've placed. Continue your trajectory with the same momentum you've carried through school and never slow down.
-Nolan Flynn,
Alumni, Art & Art History