“What we call the beginning is often the end…”
As we say our goodbyes to the end of another incredible academic year, whether our eyes are filled with the glistening light of joy or the wavering tears of sorrow, it is with absolute and unconditional love we look back and reflect upon those who have made an impact in our education and in our hearts. Missouri State University’s Theatre and Dance Department is proud to recognize and pay homage to five department members who have gone above and beyond to serve our university and guide our students.
Cathy McFall
Theatre and Dance Accounting Specialist
Retiring
“I’ve enjoyed working with the students as they are the purpose of my work, and I will miss my association with them. As for faculty and staff, they have been a great work family of whom I will greatly miss.”
Mark Putnam
Theatre and Dance Associate Professor
Retiring
“The students are fun. The shows have been fun, but it’s also been a lot of work and very satisfying. That’s the biggest thing.”
Melinda Robinson
Theatre and Dance Senior Instructor
Retiring
“My favorite memories all have to do with my incredible students. Please hang in there, guys. This will come to an end, and I wish you all the luck.”
Cindy Spitko
Theatre and Dance Per Course Faculty
Continuing Excellence Elsewhere
“I have a song to sing actually…
We’ll meet again…
Don’t know where…
Don’t know when…
But, I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.”
Ed Swidey
Theatre and Dance Acting Artist-In-Residence
Continuing Excellence Elsewhere
“I’m going to miss the faculty and so many people; they embraced me right from the beginning. And the students, I’m just going to absolutely miss because they’ve made every part of this- I believe in them. I’m going to miss them.”
All we can say in these bittersweet times is that we will miss you all with everything we have. Your time here in our department and guiding experiences with those in it will forever be remembered by those you have touched. However, while this is a temporary “goodbye,” it is not the end for you or us. Whether you are retiring or continuing your excellence elsewhere, you know that you will always have a place at this university. You are going to make an impact wherever your lives lead you. As for us, with the closing of this chapter comes the opening of another. Our story continues with a plethora of summer classes and the gradual reopening of our campus. We have used this time to grow and recognize what truly matters most to us. We have many more productions and magical experiences to look forward to because “…to make an end is to make a beginning…
…The end is where we start from.”
– T. S. Eliot