When I first met Dr. Donna L. Clevinger (Senior Faculty Fellow and Professor of Communication/Theatre at the Shackouls Honors College), I immediately knew there was something different about her than any of the other drama teachers I had ever had before. When she spoke at my freshman year Honors Convocation, her passion was electric, and I could not wait to speak with her. After we met, I was lucky enough to be casted in her Fall 2023 production of Electra for the Honors College's Classics Week. It was the most difficult production I have ever been a part of, but Dr. Clevinger never allowed me to slip behind. She was always challenging me to improve my acting, my blocking, and my delivery. I had never worked with someone so meticulous before, but all her hard work paid off in an amazing show.
Once the show was over, however, she gave me the opportunity to direct the Spring production for the Rites of Spring 2024. I asked her if she would allow me to write my own script, and she said yes. With her encouragement and guidance, I was able to write and direct an entire show. I could never have done this without Dr. Clevinger's wisdom, guidance, and willingness to take a chance on a freshman, and I believe the work we put in shows in the final product. I look forward to continuing to work with her throughout my undergraduate years whether that be through acting, writing, directing, or simply mentoring the up-and-coming Clevinger Scholars.
I cannot overstate how grateful I am that getting this award allowed me to not only write and direct my own show but also get the greatest artistic mentor I could have ever asked for in Dr. Clevinger.
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Hays Romano is the first recipient of the Clevinger Endowed Scholarship for Creative and Performing Arts (2023/2024).
