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Homecoming philanthropy project supports campus theater program

At colleges and universities nationwide, there are consistent concerns revolving around decreased involvement in fine arts programs. According to EMSI, science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related degrees saw a 41% increase in 20152016 while humanities noted a decrease by a similar number.  

Senior Lisa Pergi, coordinator of this year’s Homecoming philanthropy project, has orchestrated a unique opportunity for Oklahoma Christian University students to better support the fine arts.

In a recent interview with the Talon, Pergi discussed the project’s mission, how it relates to Oklahoma Christian and why students should get involved.

For those that do not know what the Homecoming philanthropy project is, how would you define its mission, and what the group is striving to do?

The philanthropy project benefits the OC Theatre Company, who has invited low-income elementary students to see their fall production of “The Magic Flute” for free. Not only does this guarantee a great audience for the OC students involved in the production, but this educational field trip also exposes students to an art form they are most likely unfamiliar with at no cost to the school. I don’t have to go into specifics about the funding of education in Oklahoma —everyone saw the problems firsthand when the teachers went on strike a couple years ago. Providing this field trip for free is a great blessing to those students and teachers, and I’m proud that the Homecoming board agreed to help the theater department accomplish this great project again. 

What is unique about this philanthropy project in relation to past projects?

Normally, Homecoming philanthropy is entirely focused on projects that benefit organizations on campus. While our project supports the OC theater department, it also benefits these 215 students who are receiving a free, educational and fun field trip. It’s quite a special little project that extends beyond our campus borders while also supporting the college students who are involved.

How do you think the philanthropy project affects the student body, faculty and alumni?

Everybody needs some form of art, whether you’re in a STEM field or humanities. I firmly believe that artistic expression and appreciation are essential for life and coping with the human condition, and as a liberal arts university, OC maintains a commitment to that ethos. This project is another way the student body, faculty and alumni can bask in the necessity of artistic consumption and expression while also sharing that blessing with elementary students who may never have been exposed to the theater or who have limited budgets and opportunities for experiences such as this.   

Have you encountered any issues so far? If so, how have you managed them?

“The Magic Flute” and the theater program are not affiliated with the Homecoming musical. It baffles me how difficult it can be to convince people that there is room for two performing arts programs on campus. The OC theater program is here, it is amazing and at times, it is undervalued for the amazing opportunities it offers students and off-campus guests. 

What should students know about the project, and how can they get involved?

Anyone can get involved easily. Go to the tailgate and get some great food, donate a few dollars to help see your favorite professor or faculty member get a pie in the face at the pep rally or come help write invitations to the elementary students who are coming in November. Students should know any little amount of support helps, whether it be financially or just your time. Everyone should come see the production too, which will be running Nov. 14-16. 

What kind of legacy do you think projects like this leave at OC?

I hope this project will put the theater department in the spotlight for a little bit. With our new theater coordinator Anna Wilcox, we can pull off some amazing shows and great events and projects that benefit OC and the surrounding community. There is room for the performing arts on campus, but we have to start supporting the productions so the financial and spiritual energy follow. I want the fall production to continue to invite these elementary students and expose them to my favorite art form, and for their field trip to always be free and well-funded into the future. 

 

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