“Through the Lens” by ATEC student Michaela Banks.
Whether their aim is to practice pediatric medicine or to become a video game designer, the 2014-15 Bryce Jordan Scholarship recipients all have one common characteristic: a deep passion for the arts.
Fourteen undergraduate students from the School of Arts and Humanities will receive a combined total of $20,500 to further their studies in arts and technology, creative writing, music, theater, dance and the visual arts.
The Bryce and Jonelle Jordan Scholarship Fund was established in 1981 to support undergraduate music students at UT Dallas. Bryce Jordan, flutist and musicologist, was the University’s first president. The scholarship has since been extended, with his approval, to provide financial support for undergraduate students in any of the creative and performing arts.
“We appreciate Bryce Jordan’s generosity and thank him for creating a scholarship that enables us to recognize talented students who excel scholastically,” said Dr. Shelley Lane, associate dean of undergraduate education in the School of Arts and Humanities.
The 2014-15 recipients are:
Arts and Technology (ATEC)
Michaela Banks is a freshman who believes that art will always play an important role in her life. At Uplift Education North Hills Preparatory school, she designed prom invitations, posters and murals, and created tent designs for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The chair of the fine arts department at North Hills Prep described her as a student with “understated brilliance.”
“The Fast and the Fjorious” by Cara Curley.
Cara Curley, a senior, received the scholarship for the third time. Curley has provided style concepts for animated shorts and several games. Additionally, as a graphic designer for the University’s Office of Undergraduate Education, she designed T-shirts for members of the Student Game Developer Alliance, Ultimate Frisbee Teams and the entire freshman class. Courtney Brecheen, an assistant dean in the office, said that Curley “unselfishly dedicates her time and creative talents” to many projects.
Kien Hoang, a senior, views art as a collaborative process that involves appreciation, inspiration and motivation. He interned at Pixar Animation Studios and believes that it is his responsibility to share what he has learned at Pixar with his peers. ATEC professor Todd Fechter said that “Kien’s work serves as a benchmark for other students” and that he has helped to “increase the level of work being created by students throughout our University.”
Hamid Shah is a freshman interested in concept art and video game design. Shah’s artwork has been accepted in various art exhibitions, and he volunteers to help students with their art projects. His high school art instructor described Shah as an “intelligent, kind-hearted and highly talented artist” who is also “a dedicated student who is always challenging himself.”
Creative Writing
Glenn Charles, a senior, believes his inspiration comes from historical and current events, fact and fiction, science and technology, and from his fellow classmates. He attends literary events and participates in writers workshops. Creative writing instructor Joe Milazzo said, “Glenn has been among the very best students with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work.”
Nina Cook, a junior, is a transfer student from Collin College where she earned a 4.0 GPA and was named to the President’s List. She was also a scholarship recipient of Phi Theta Kappa, and was among the first scholarship recipients for the College’s Honors Institute. Cook said that the arts — specifically, music and creative writing — have always been her passion.
Music
An untitled still from an animation project by Kien Hoang.
Naomi D’Amato is a senior finance major with a passion for music. She was a national Emerson Scholar at the Interlochen Summer Arts Academy and has received scholarships to the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. D’Amato said that UT Dallas is helping her achieve the goal of serving in arts management. Professor Robert Rodríguez, who holds the Endowed Chair in Art and Aesthetic Studies at UT Dallas, describes her as “technically brilliant, musically sensitive” and “stylistically well-informed.”
Michael Nelson, a computer science freshman who plans to obtain a music minor, believes that receiving arts instruction will expose him to new ideas and will help sharpen the creative processes that can be used in programming or engineering. Nelson was selected for the Chamber Singers and Music Corporation at Plano Senior High School. The high school’s director of choral activities said that “Michael has proven to be one of the best self-motivated, dedicated and talented young men in my program.”
Leo Thomasian is an ATEC major who will obtain a minor in art and performance. Thomasian believes that music and theater performance are his true passions. He had supporting roles in the UT Dallas production of The Shape of Things and the Collin College production of In the Heights. Kathryn Evans, UT Dallas head of Vocal and Choral Music, describes him as a “serious, talented and dedicated student.”
Andrea Tran, an ATEC major with minors in both music and art and performance, is expected to graduate at the end of the fall semester. She performed as a member of the UT Dallas wind ensemble and chamber groups. She has also performed at the annual Holiday Sing, and with the flute/trio quartet and the woodwind quintet. Dr. Winston Stone, director of music at UT Dallas, writes that he “cannot overstate the contribution Andrea has made to the music areas at UT Dallas.”
Theater
Hunter Kershen, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry and minoring in dance, hopes to work in pediatric medicine one day. Kershen has performed at the Bent Tree Church in Carrollton. The church’s drama coordinator said that Kershen stays in character while off stage and willingly attends additional rehearsals to ensure an effective performance: “Besides being a wonderful and growing actor, Hunter is a fabulous, kind, and dependable gentleman.”
Visual Arts
Anna Galluzzi is a sophomore art and performance major. Galluzzi wants to become a certified art therapist to help others discover their artistic abilities. Her high school art teacher said that she is “creative, strong, dedicated,” and possesses “leadership skills.” He also said that “there is a kindness about her that is rare and wonderful.”
Marcela Reyes, an art and performance senior, said that art gives her the ability to believe in herself and to think creatively. UT Dallas senior lecturer Greg Metz said that Marcela has a “unique vision,” is “informed about what is going on in the contemporary art world,” and possesses “an intuitive knack for design that is culturally rooted and conceptually progressive.”
Taurian Witt is a senior ATEC major with a visual arts minor. Witt’s professional goals are to become a concept artist for an animation company and to create work as an independent artist. Drawing and sculpture instructor Kristen Cochran said that Witt accepts challenges and doesn’t take “the easy route.”