- University holds 128th commencement exercisesFitchburg State University held its 128th commencement exercises this month, awarding graduate and undergraduate degrees and honoring distinguished alumni and community leaders. The commencement address at the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 18 was given by alumna Yla Eason, an assistant professor of business at Rutgers University and the creator of the country’s first Black superhero toy. “When my son was three years old, he said he could not be a superhero because he was not white,” Eason recalled in her address. “He said this casually while playing with the Mattel superhero toy, He-Man. My former husband and I were on the beach in Jamaica when he said this. Startled, I said to him, yes you can be a superhero. Your color is great and it means you can be anything you want. We told him we would buy him a Black superhero toy once we got back to New York. To my surprise, there were no superhero toys that looked like him on the market.” She spoke with other mothers who also wondered why there weren’t toys that looked like their children. “I asked Dr. Kenneth Clark who with his wife, Mamie, created the Black doll study that led to the 1954 Brown vs The Board of Education decision to end school desegregation if he thought toys that represented different skin tones were important,” Eason said. “He explained to me that when kids play with toys, they imagine themselves in their role-play as powerful and fun. Play is vital to supporting their self-esteem. That’s when I knew that I had to create a Black superhero toy.” She knew nothing about the toy industry, so, illustrating the advice she offered to graduates, she asked questions. “I asked and found a toy manufacturer who told me what I needed to do to get started and how toys are made. I asked lots of questions that led me to create Sun-Man, the first Black superhero toy. Later I made Asian, Latino, Native American, and white action figures and expanded into dolls and games. It is why I was able to create a $5 million business and am credited with pioneering the multicultural toy market back in 1985. The irony is that the toy company I was competing against because they had no black action figures, Mattel, reached out to me in 2020 to license my toys. Now almost 40 years later you can find my toy, Sun-Man, at Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers. A selection of my toys is on display at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester where Sun-Man is in the Toy Hall of Fame. “The toy business taught me one thing. You don’t have to know everything, you just have to know what you don’t know and then learn it, get someone to do it, and or get someone to teach it to you,” Eason said. Eason was also presented the President’s Medal in recognition of her lifetime of achievement. Also honored at the undergraduate ceremony was Reinaldo Lopez, founder of Resource Management Inc., one of the country’s largest Hispanic-owned businesses. Born in Puerto Rico, he migrated to the mainland United States with his mother in 1962 and soon joined her working in the tobacco fields to help support the family. His mother’s tireless work ethic and commitment to family proved a solid foundation upon which Lopez would build for the rest of his career. He started his company in Massachusetts, eventually growing to oversee more than 6,000 workers nationwide with annual revenues approaching nearly $190 million. His daughter Rachel and son Alex are the company’s current president and vice president, and another son, Reinaldo Jr., established sales records that are still unsurpassed within the firm. The valedictorian of the undergraduate class was Jyy Rose Liang of Lunenburg, who completed a degree in educational studies with a minor in art. “The first half of my studies here was attached to a test of resilience for everyone,” she said, recalling the challenges of starting college during the pandemic. “We spoke through microphones and masks, but we discovered much, built community, and became acquainted with new people.” “As we move forward, the things we do and gain and find to like will not settle in a line,” Liang said. “So, trust yourself, make the most of the process, cross obstacles, and go on. Go after your dreams, and redevelop them as you desire.” Ali Raza, a native of Pakistan, spoke at the graduate commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 16, where he was presented the Graduate Student Leadership Award. He recounted his journey to the U.S. where studied computer science. “I had to adjust to a new culture, school system, and unfamiliar surroundings,” Raza said. “I think I’m accepting this award on behalf of every international student who has dared to dream of a better future. We may have come from different corners of the globe, but here, at Fitchburg State University, we have found a home—a place where diversity is celebrated, and dreams are nurtured. In my journey, I’ve learned one simple truth, ‘Never lose hope. Just when you think it’s over. But if you still keep trying. God sends you a miracle.’” University President Richard S. Lapidus, retiring in June, presided over the final commencement ceremonies of his tenure at Fitchburg State this month. “Remember in the end, it’s not just about you, but your actions can have profound effects on others around you,” Lapidus said. “There is a saying that can be found around the world in multiple variations that says, ‘The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.’ Be generous, live your life with your heart wide open, extend a helping hand and provide hope and opportunity for others and go plant trees. I think you will find the reward to be far greater than you might imagine.”
- ALFA marking 20th anniversary with art exhibitFitchburg State University’s Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area (ALFA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this spring, including a Community Gallery installation at the Fitchburg Art Museum through May 27. There will be an opening reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 9 in the Community Gallery at the museum, located at 185 Elm St. The ALFA gallery show is juried exhibition whose requirement for entry was that those submitting works needed to be or have been ALFA students or instructors. ALFA artists submitted work reflective of their style, artistic vision, and message. Participating artists represent those both newly-minted as well as well-established professional artists. The judging of the art exhibit was done in collaboration with the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance. “Art is for all ages,” said ALFA volunteer and 20th Anniversary Committee member Gail Hoar. “You can always learn something new, and always grow no matter your age: Education doesn’t stop when you last step out of school doors.” ALFA’s anniversary events also include the Love of Learning Day celebration at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 22 in Hammond Hall. This program includes a lunch buffet with the bluesy folk fusion of five-piece band Tattoo, followed by a mini-sampling of current ALFA courses led by our community instructors. Tickets for the Love of Learning Day are $20 and may be purchased online at fitchburgstate.edu/alfa.
- Trustees nominate Donna Souder Hodge as 12th presidentThe Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to nominate Dr. Donna Souder Hodge as the university’s 12th president. The nomination, which followed a national search that resulted in three finalists visiting campus for interviews with different campus populations, is contingent upon approval by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education as well as contractual negotiations. Dr. Hodge is currently Vice President of Operations & Advancement at Colorado State University, Pueblo, where she has worked in a variety of roles since 2010, including chief strategy officer and tenured faculty member. She will succeed President Richard S. Lapidus, who is retiring in June after nine years leading Fitchburg State. His tenure has included the growth of undergraduate and graduate academic programs, a renewed focus on student success and education justice, strengthening ties between the institution and its host community, and guiding the university through the pandemic. “This was a difficult decision with a strong slate of finalists to lead Fitchburg State,” Board of Trustees Chairperson C. Deborah Phillips said. “We are confident Dr. Hodge has the leadership skills and experience to find consensus among campus constituencies as we confront the challenges facing all institutions of higher education. She is a strong communicator who is mindful of the critical role that public higher education plays in the success of the city and region.” “I am honored and excited for the opportunity to join the Fitchburg State community,” Dr. Hodge said. “It was clear from my interactions with campus and community constituencies during the search process that Fitchburg State is a special place, and I look forward to being part of its continued progress and building upon its strong foundation.” Fitchburg State trustees engaged Witt/Kieffer to guide its national presidential search, which was led by a 13-member search committee including students, faculty, staff, alumni and community representation. Three finalists visited campus for two days of interviews with campus constituencies as well as open public forums. Feedback from the campus was collected and shared with the trustees in advance of their deliberations. Fitchburg State University, established in 1894, enrolls day and evening students in more than 50 programs of undergraduate and graduate study. The university was established in 1894. Learn more at fitchburgstate.edu.
- Spring commencement honorees announcedYla Eason '71 Fitchburg State University alumna Yla Eason, who founded a multiracial toy company dedicated to fighting the racial imbalance in toys and superheroes, will deliver the address at the undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18. Eason, a 1971 graduate of Fitchburg State, is an accomplished marketing professional based in the Greater New York City area and currently serves as an assistant professor of professional practice at the Rutgers University Business School in New Jersey, where her focus is business communications and marketing. “Yla Eason’s inspirational story of activism and entrepreneurship sends a powerful message for the Class of 2024,” said Fitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus. “We are honored to welcome her back to campus to continue our tradition of presenting accomplished alumni as our commencement speakers.” Lapidus will also address graduates and guests at the ceremony, which will be his final commencement as president of Fitchburg State. He is retiring from his post in June. Eason is the founder of Olmec Toys, which has reached over $5 million in sales, and is nationally recognized for pioneering a new market in the toy industry while also promoting racial diversity. In addition to her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fitchburg State, Eason received an MBA from Harvard Business School. Reinaldo "Rey" Lopez Eason will be presented the President’s Medal at the undergraduate ceremony. Reinaldo “Rey” Lopez is the founder of Resource Management Inc., one of the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned businesses, will also be presented the President’s Medal at the undergraduate ceremony. Born in Puerto Rico, he migrated to the mainland United States with his mother in 1962 and soon joined her working in the tobacco fields to help support the family. His mother’s tireless work ethic and commitment to family proved a solid foundation upon which Lopez would build for the rest of his career. Honorees at the undergraduate ceremony will also include valedictorian Jyy Rose Liang of Lunenburg, majoring in educational studies. Fitchburg State will hold its graduate commencement ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at the Athletics and Recreation Center. That ceremony will include the presentation of the Graduate Student Leadership Award to Ali Raza, who is completing a master’s degree in computer science. Additional information on the ceremony and honorees may be found at fitchburgstate.edu/commencement.
- Grammy winner Neal Smith to perform with jazz bandFitchburg State will welcome Grammy-winning jazz drummer Neal Smith during a free concert that will include performances by the university’s Fitchbyrds and the Fitchburg and Leominster High School jazz bands. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at Kent Recital Hall in the Conlon Fine Arts Building, 367 North St. Admission is free and open to the public. Smith will also be giving a master class for university and high school students the afternoon of the performance. Assistant Professor Amy McGlothlin of the university’s Humanities Department leads the Fitchbyrds Modern Jazz Band and organized the visit. “We are excited to present this masterclass and concert with such an amazing guest artist,” McGlothlin said. “We hope to make this an annual event." The Fitchbyrds Modern Jazz Band includes Thomas Adler-Mandile, Ronan Cords, Jack Dancause, Rala Diakite, Joshua Leaffer, Joshua Lancaster, and director Amy McGlothlin. The Leominster High School Jazz Band is led by Robert Bergeron, and the Fitchburg High School Jazz Band is led by Nat Blankenship. The event is a collaboration between Fitchburg State’s music program and the Fitchburg Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, El Toro Promotions, and Fitchburg High School and Leominster High School.
- University hosting inaugural Lavender GraduationFitchburg State University’s Gay Straight Alliance will hold its inaugural Lavender Graduation ceremony on Monday, April 29, honoring LGBTQIA+ students who will be graduating from the university this semester. The first Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by playwright, author and LGBT historian Dr. Ronni Sanlo, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Dr. Sanlo designed the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995, which had three graduates. Today there are more than 500 colleges and universities nationwide hosting such celebrations. Graduating students, including undergraduates and graduates, are invited to take part in the celebration, which typically occurs the week prior to university-wide commencement events. At Fitchburg State, the graduate commencement ceremony will be held Thursday, May 16, and the undergraduate commencement ceremony will be held Saturday, May 18. Keynote speakers at Fitchburg State’s Lavender Graduation will include Vice President of Student Affairs Laura A. Bayless; Associate Professor DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld; Associate Director of Student Development Shane Franzen; and Assistant Director for Care and Community Standards Joseph P. Flanagan. Approximately 20 students are expected to participate, and all will be offered lavender stoles to wear at their formal commencement ceremonies.
- Fitchburg State to Take Back the Night on April 22Fitchburg State University will hold its annual Take Back the Night vigil against domestic, sexual and dating violence at 7 p.m. Monday, April 22 on the main quadrangle. The event is free and open to the public. For six decades, Take Back the Night events have raised awareness and highlighted resources for survivors and those affected by sexual violence, which is a concern on college campuses nationwide. According to the national organization, one in three women, one in six men, and two in three transgender people experience sexual violence at some point in their lives, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience sexual violence at even higher rates. This program is designed to take a stand against sexual and dating violence and march for justice, support, and empowerment. The Fitchburg State event is organized by the university’s Counseling Services Office and FAVE (Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education).
- Trumpeter Jay Daly to perform at Concert Band and Community Orchestra concertFitchburg State University’s Concert Band and Community Orchestra will present a free concert featuring guest trumpeter Jay Daly at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. Admission is free and open to the public. "It's widely known that Jay Daly is one of the premier trumpeters in the Northeast,” said Peter Mansfield, orchestrator and arranger with the Boston Pops Orchestra. “His virtuosity is matched by his stylistic versatility and he's a consummate professional." The concert will showcase Daly in a 12-minute featured medley consisting of popular music tunes from the 20th century that feature the trumpet as a solo instrument. Music from the Great American Songbook and chart-toppers of the 20th century will be featured. "If you're a fan of Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael, Herb Alpert, Chuck Mangione, the Beatles, or Maynard Ferguson you'll be in heaven,” said Assistant Professor Amy McGlothlin, who leads the Concert Band. “And if you've never experienced this music you are guaranteed a heart-touching experience that will leave you wanting more." The Fitchburg State Community Orchestra is composed of students, faculty members, and other musicians who live in the Greater Fitchburg community. The orchestra performs at numerous campus and community events. The Concert Band is open to all people with experience playing a band instrument. Its members include students, alumni, faculty and surrounding community members. The band performs twice per semester in Weston Auditorium. Anyone from any major is welcome. To learn more about Fitchburg State’s instrumental and choral programs, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/music.
- Convocation award winners announcedFitchburg State held its Spring Convocation ceremony on Thursday, April 18, where hundreds of thousands of dollars scholarships and academic awards were conferred. See more pictures from the event on the Burg Blog. Detailed descriptions of the awards and their criteria may be found on the Convocation web page. PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR AWARD Matthew P. Gill Geybrell G. Liriano Tonia M. Magras Alexia R. Perez-Lucas Nicholas D. Solimine DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD Marissa E. Cloutier Paige M. Demanche Veronica L. Derby Alyssa J. Fields Kathleen A. Kaldis Jyy R. Liang Mary Kate Moreau Hannah Moulton Eileen Nina Katelyn M. Paquette Sophia A. Piper Darci L. Smith Colin J. Sweetland Owen C. Thayer Tyler D. Tramonte Danielle M. Varner Brenna M. Wilkins Thailee C. Zarycki COMMONWEALTH HONORS SCHOLARS Sabrina A. Bailey Francesco Campione Dana E. Cisowski Ronan P. Cords Geena R. Duval Nathaniel Felix Alyssa J. Fields Emily K. Gelinas Nicholas Green Danielle Hendrix Darcy M. Lally Suzannah R. Lambert Jyy R. Liang Mary Kate Moreau Dakota E. Racine Cooper D. Rogers Allison H. Turner Madison M. Waterson Benjamin T. Wiita Lilly K. Woodger Elliot A. Zopatti BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Criminal Justice Academic Achievement Award Maeghan C. Alansky Jordyn T. Gagliardi Human Services Faculty Choice Award Eunice J. Matson Scholarship Human Services Students' Choice Award William D. Coleman Kristi L. Patano BIOLOGY / CHEMISTRY Outstanding Senior in Biology Outstanding Senior in Chemistry Outstanding Public Service Award Cynthia V. Laurore Aiden T. Luckey Edward and Mildred Lozowski Scholarship Helen and Robert Russell: Women in Science Scholarship BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Outstanding Senior in Accounting Award Outstanding Senior in Management Award Outstanding Senior in Marketing Award Outstanding Senior in Entrepreneurship Award Scott and Sarah Foster Entrepreneurial Studies Scholarship Alison L. Houde Max O. Parvey COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA Applied Communications Graduate Student of the Year Elaine T. Coyne Women in Film Memorial Scholarship Film Student of the Year Game Design Student of the Year Graphic Design Student of the Year Jacqui LaCoy Documentary Award Jacqui LaCoy Scholarship Louis O. Lorenzen Visual & Performing Arts Award Photography Student of the Year Professional Communications Student of the Year Robert M. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Robert M. Wilson Memorial Scholarship at FATV Theater Student of the Year Christopher S. Brennan Marco A. Grogan Gabriel F. Mangrum Video Student of the Year COMPUTER SCIENCE Outstanding Senior in Computer Information Systems Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Robert F. McGuire Memorial Scholarship Samantha Chandler Colin J. Sweetland EARTH AND GEOGRAPHIC SCIENCES Outstanding Student in Environmental and Earth Science Outstanding Student in Public Health Stephen W. Clair Memorial Scholarship ECONOMICS, HISTORY, AND POLITICAL SCIENCE Alex Donkor Award for Excellence in Economics Award for Excellence in International Studies Christina F. Kelley Award for Excellence in the Field of Women's Studies Outstanding Senior in History / Secondary Education Outstanding Student in Political Science Roger F. Holmes Award for Excellence in History EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Carla Borg Scholarship Dr. Anne May ’52 Memorial Award Dr. William J. Goldman Award in Special Education Early Childhood Education Scholarship Education Department Service Award Helen T. O'Flaherty Scholarship Katherine "Kay" Flynn ’57 Special Education Scholarship Cailin C. Butler Amber R. Camp Melanie J. Cormier Jennifer R. Jezierski Anna M. Warry Matthew C. Dimacale Memorial Scholarship Bri-Elle A. Gates Maggie Pomeroy Outstanding Senior in Early Childhood Education Outstanding Senior in Elementary Education Outstanding Senior in Education Studies Outstanding Senior in Early Education and Care Owens-Mara Award Natalie G. Garcia Chemlah M. MacNeil Kiara Y. Pedraza Patricia (Barbaresi) James ’58 Scholarship Allison N. Hamel Shania Rodriguez Acevedo Roberta (Fitzmaurice) Connors ’63 Scholarship Emily G. Hallsworth Karlsen D. Halstead Shianne U. Harewood Caileen C. Hurley Shania Rodriguez Acevedo The Beauty Nichols Reading Partner Therapy Dog and Saxifrage Education Award Special Education Scholarship ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Arthur E. Purrington Award Carl T. Witherell ’32 Scholarship Francis ’60 and Lucia Marcille ’58 Memorial Award Marckenson Charles Caroline De Andrade Maciel Poliana Kristani Jamesohn C. LaValley Eridon Mehmeti George B. James ’57, ’60 Memorial Scholarship Sean E. Butler Marckenson Charles Christopher J. Mongiat John L. Powers Memorial Scholarship Walter F. Harrod ’40 Scholarship Ginneta F. Abaidoo Kelly A. Bottini Laila A. Hamilton Mark P. Izbicki Eridon Mehmeti ENGLISH STUDIES Colin E. Bourn ’63 English Scholarship Dr. Nancy R. Kelly ’80 Memorial Award English Studies Department Scholarship Leo J. Hines Memorial Scholarship Louis P. Shepherd Scholarship Peter W. Elliott Anne C. Skamarycz Ashley A. Snow Patricia A. Hess ’94 Scholarship Robert E. Cormier Scholarship EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE Academic Achievement in Exercise and Sports Science Award Tyler T. Martin Abbey R. Quirbach Leadership in Exercise and Sports Science Award HUMANITIES Outstanding Day Student in the Interdisciplinary Major Outstanding Evening Student in the Interdisciplinary Major Outstanding Senior in the Music Minor Outstanding Student in the Art Minor Outstanding Student in the Deaf Studies Minor Outstanding Student in Italian Studies Outstanding Student in the Philosophy Minor Outstanding Student in the Spanish Minor MATHEMATICS Dr. Mark A. Snyder Memorial Scholarship Mathematics Department Scholarship Award Outstanding Mathematics Minor of the Year Award Outstanding Mathematics Student of the Year Award NURSING Carol Picard Leadership and Civic Engagement Award Eleanor Voorhies Award Frances Champlin ’87 Memorial Scholarship for Nursing Elizabeth Fisk – Grace Gummo Award Grace Gummo Scholarship Natalia E. Lamoureux Alexandria M. Martocci Kaylee E. Meadows Jean Kressy Nursing Scholarship Caroline C. Hamel Diavian D. White Katherine Sehl Award Patricia (Barbaresi) James ’58 Scholarship Student Nursing Association Award Christopher J. Bjornson Brianna M. Hall Molly M. Loverin The Kay O'Connor and Carol Picard Scholarship Established by Epsilon Beta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau The Madden-Wallen Forensic Award PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE Beverly Roder & Mabel "Gin" Sgan Award in Psychology UNDERGRADUATE CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH AND CREATIVE PRACTICE Outstanding Creative Writing Piece Outstanding Oral Presentations Brady Elliot, first place Madison Ambrogi, second place Asa Oywech, third place Outstanding Poster Presentations Thomas Adler Mandile, first place William Ghio, second place Mary Kate Moreau, third place Outstanding Visual Arts/Film Award FITCHBURG STATE CHAPTER OF MSCA Frederick Douglass Citizenship Award ALUMNI AND DEVELOPMENT Albert P. Russo ’52 Memorial Scholarship Charles D. Maner Memorial Scholarship Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship Amber R. Camp Melanie J. Cormier Vanessa Thilakoun Dean Rachupka ’93 Memorial Scholarship Alyssa R. St. Cyr Alyssa C. Tata Donald ’72, ’79 & Karen Irving ’90 "Pay It Forward" Scholarship Thomas Adler-Mandile Antoinette A. Enyim Zachariah L. Foster Melina L. Franjul Joseph J. Gilbert Laila A. Hamilton Grace C. Lowe Abigail R. Mathieu Adria R. McKenzie Cameron A. Mcpherson Adam E. Quinlan Kevin M. Veguilla Esoteric Society Scholarship Brianna P. Hodgman Kaissy O. Kwakye Fenwick Society Scholarship Juliana M. Davis Jameson M. Dillon Sera N. Gagnon Garrett Conrad Scholarship Kathleen & Frederick Brissette Memorial Scholarship Lauren J. Keough Nicholas A. Paolo Kathleen Mary O'Neil Scholarship Julia A. Arena Shannon P. Cowan Autumn D. Garceau Cathryn B. Hynes Nia R. Manderson-Matheson NYPRO / Jabil Scholarship Ryan D. Darling Gregory J. Jimenez Grace Hope K. Kentsa Kaitlyn Soompholphakdy Thea Wysocki Philip J. ’57 & Anne C. Tardanico ’77, ’86 Scholarship Maddy J. Dawkins Jamesohn C. Lavalley Sterilite Scholars Jarrod D. Bowser Maxine C. Carbone Alex J. Ciampa Emma A. Daponte Melissa F. Guillaume Ava E. Hannon Lily A. Hay Erica Henry Adriana T. Kruger Diana H. Marquez Frias Robert B. Ovalle Nolan W. Sargent Leary Family Scholarship Ryann L. McCullough Nezuch Vittorioso-Gallagher Family Scholarship STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Kevin L. Mumper Memorial Scholarship Student Government Association Scholarship Lucas F. Boudreau Zachary T. Carlson Kiley E. D'Angelo Olivia M. DeLuco Dominic J. Freeman Colby Hairston Mallory K. Judkins
- Absurdist plays to take the stage this monthTwo one-act plays that point out the bizarre, delightful and surreal nature of life will be presented as Fitchburg State University’s spring theater productions in April. The performances, collectively known as “Absurdist Alert!” will be held in the Wallace Theater for the Performing Arts in the McKay Complex at 67 Rindge Road. Admission is free and open to the public. “The Zoo Story,” written by Edward Albee and directed by Jo Nazro, is absurdist in mood and explores different themes of existentialism, isolation, loneliness, social disparity, and dehumanization in a materialistic American society. Scattered with suspense and provocative humor, the piece is a study of human behavior. “A Game,” written by Dennis E. Noble and directed by student Allison Thompson, is the story of three individuals who agree to participate in an experiment in which they are locked in a small room divided into three “equal” sections. Each section is given to one of the subjects and possesses a unique quality. Whenever the lights turn on, they must complete their only given task: stating ownership of their land. With every flick of the light switch, the subjects fight over their land. As they descend to madness, they showcase how far people are willing to go to be better than those around them. The plays will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28. “Absurdist Alert!” is presented by the Communications Media Department.
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