Southern Illinois University System - Edwardsville
06/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/05/2026 16:34
SIUE Theater and Dance Establishes Hall of Fame During 50th Anniversary Celebration
SIUE Theater and Dance Establishes Hall of Fame During 50th Anniversary Celebration
June 5, 2026, 5:15 PM
As part of its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, the Department of Theater and Dance has established a Hall of Fame honoring alumni whose achievements and contributions have helped shape the department's legacy at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
During the annual Encore Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 5, Theater and Dance formally recognized the inaugural Hall of Fame class as part of "A Season of Gold," a historic season celebrating five decades of artistic excellence, creativity, education and community engagement. The inaugural class includes nine alumni whose accomplishments reflect the breadth of the department's impact across performance, dance, theater education, and design and technology.
"This milestone anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate some of the extraordinary individuals who have helped define the legacy of Theater and Dance at SIUE," said Kristin Best-Kinscherff, chair and professor of the Department. "The Hall of Fame recognizes artists, educators, advocates and leaders whose work continues to inspire future generations."
By connecting current students with accomplished alumni, the Hall of Fame creates a bridge between generations, ensuring that the lessons, achievements and stories of the department's first 50 years continue to inspire students waiting in the wings of Dunham Hall Theater.
The Inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
- Robin Nunn, Design/Tech specialization, Class of 1977
- Kari Ely, Performance specialization, Class of 1983
- Rachel Brady, Dance, Class of 1994
- Timothy Eaker, Design/Tech, Class of 2003
- Wendy Greenwood-Leveling, Performance and Theater Education, Class of 2004
- Andrew Riedmann, Design/Tech, Class of 2008
- Gregory Fenner, Performance, Class of 2009
- Ashley Melton, Theater Education, Class of 2014
- Rico Velazquez, Dance, Class of 2014
Photo: Encore Awards Ceremony, Theater and Dance Chair Kristin Best-Kinscherff at podium. Photos by Kaylee Juenger.
Southern Illinois University System - Edwardsville published this content on June 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 05, 2026 at 22:34 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]