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SFA College of Fine Arts Dean’s Circle hosts successful fundraiser

Robbie Goodrich, director of arts information
•
October 8, 2019
Rep. Travis Clardy and Dean A.C. "Buddy" Himes

The SFA College of Fine Arts Dean’s Circle recently recognized state Rep. Travis Clardy, left, for his support of and contributions to Nacogdoches, SFA, the College of Fine Arts and the Dean’s Circle at the organization’s annual fall Winners’ Circle fundraiser. Presenting the honor to Clardy was College of Fine Arts Dean Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes.

Himes, Cole, Gordon, LaGraff and his wife, Kimberly, and Sherri Gordon

Among those attending this year’s Winners’ Circle awards recognition and fundraiser were, from left, College of Fine Arts Dean Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes, Ed Cole, SFA President Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA School of Music Professor Dr. Scott LaGraff and his wife, Kimberly, and Sherri Gordon, wife of President Gordon.


NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Members of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts Dean’s Circle recently recognized its 2019 award recipients at the annual artists’ spotlight and fundraiser and Winners’ Circle reception held in Mast Hall in downtown Nacogdoches.

A highlight of the evening included special recognition of state Rep. Travis Clardy for his support of and contributions to Nacogdoches, SFA, the College of Fine Arts and the Dean’s Circle.

“I’m certain that there was not anyone at our event whose life in the East Texas region has not been positively affected by the legislation he has helped pass,” said Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes, dean of the College of Fine Arts. “We were pleased and honored that so many people came to our event to show their appreciation for Rep. Clardy’s many contributions to our community, and to support the College of Fine Arts.”

The event also recognized the 2019 Dean’s Awards recipients, including Sarah Bone, art major from Richmond; Travis Wattigney, music major from Fort Worth; Matthew Mitchell, music education major from Huffman; and Aubrey Moore, theatre major from Frisco.

Also recognized was School of Art Professor Piero Fenci as the Dean’s Circle Endowed Professor for 2019-2022. The Dean’s Circle created the award in 2016 to recognize and honor those who “embody the qualities of the ideal professor that characterize all College of Fine Arts faculty members,” Himes said. The award is intended to provide the resources for all manner of professional endeavors in which the recipient may choose to become involved. This marks the second endowed professorship completed by the Dean’s Circle. The first honoree was Dr. Charles R. Gavin, professor of horn and chamber music in the SFA School of Music.

“We greatly appreciate our membership and event sponsors,” Himes said. “Their financial support makes possible these awards, which allow recipients to further their creative pursuits and aspire to a higher level of excellence.”

Sponsors included Cal-Tex Lumber Company, Inc., Travis Clardy, Nacogdoches Medical Center, Naioma Shannon, Southside Bank, Suzanne Warlick, The Right Step Child Enrichment Center, CBH Insurance Agency, An O’Haver Financial Company, Chris and Yvette Sidnell, Dr. Gary Barkocy, Mast Hall, Naca Valley Vineyard and Nacogdoches Film Festival.

The Dean’s Circle is a group of community and university leaders whose mission is to assist the College of Fine Arts in perpetuating its tradition of excellence by enhancing academic and artistic performance programs, creating endowed professorships for faculty, and recognizing outstanding students in each school with the annual Dean’s Awards.

For more information about the Dean’s Circle or to become a member, contact Himes at (936) 468-2801 or at himesac@sfasu.edu.