The familiar theater expression “the show must go on” certainly could apply to the world of higher education. No sooner does one semester or academic year end before we begin preparing for the next, which leaves little time to reflect on our accomplishments.

With a new academic year fast approaching, I wanted to take a moment and shine the spotlight on a thrilling experience for Weber State University from this past spring. Our success in two very different areas—on the basketball court and on the theatrical stage—led to a whirlwind of WSU activity on both coasts of the United States, on the very same day in March.

While I wished I could have been in Sacramento to cheer on the Wildcat men’s basketball team in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, I had a previous engagement that was just as compelling: attending a WSU production of Macbeth at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

The trip was exciting for many reasons: WSU was one of only three colleges and universities invited to bring a production to the Kennedy Center’s six-month “Shakespeare in Washington” festival. Also, the university’s National Advisory Council met outside of Utah for the first time in conjunction with this event, giving us the opportunity to meet with our lawmakers as well as connect with alumni in the area.

“Shakespeare in Washington” organizers were looking for exemplary theatre programs to participate in the festival. WSU was the first university to perform—a testament to the tradition of fine work produced by our Department of Performing Arts.

The Kennedy Center’s Family Theater was packed with an enthusiastic audience for both performances of Macbeth. It was thrilling to show off our university, although several of us in the WSU contingent heard people wondering, “Where is this Webber State University?” We hope they left with a sense of the quality of our performing arts program, as well as the correct pronunciation of our name.

An important part of the “Shakespeare in Washington” festival is its educational component. WSU’s production was taped and edited, and the recording is available on the Kennedy Center Web site as a teaching tool for high school drama programs. To watch a video of the production, visit kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium and search the performance archives for Weber State.

I wish it were so easy to relive the rest of this memorable trip. Washington, D.C., is home to the most active group of Weber alumni outside the state of Utah. This event—showcasing the success of our students and faculty on a national stage—was a perfect opportunity to meet with our alumni and reinforce their strong ties to their alma mater.

After the March 15 performance, we held a reception where those of us who made the trip from Utah had the chance to talk with area alumni who had been invited to attend the show. I could feel Weber pride and spirit throughout the room, and it got even brighter when the students, coming directly from striking the show, arrived to a standing ovation. It was a wonderful interaction, moving for both the students and those of us who attended their performance.

I will always count this experience among the highlights of my time as president of WSU. However, now the curtain is set to rise on a new academic year, one that I trust holds in store new achievements and accomplishments for our institution. I look forward to seeing what successes await the Weber State University student body, faculty and community in the coming year.

Sincerely,

F. Ann Millner
President