It was nostalgia overload in the Fall of 2022 when I made the drive from Dallas to Denton to visit the University of North Texas campus I called home for so many amazing and impactful years. The sky was clear and full of pillowy clouds, and the temps were crisp and cool with a light breeze – pure magic. Making things more magical was the fact that I was making the drive with my bestie and former Kerr Hall roommate in tow whom I’d met my first day on campus in 1995. Sadly, being that I was from the Houston area and had moved to Los Angeles immediately following graduation, this was my first time back to my cherished Alma Mater and it was long overdue. So much had changed since graduation; on campus and in our lives. It was thrilling to see parking structures and new buildings that didn’t exist when I was a student. It was a treat to drive through Denton Town Square and grab tacos and margaritas at El Taco H on Hickory. And it was so incredible to see the renovated Student Union and finished Radio, Television, Film and Performing Arts building (RTFP) that had still been under renovation construction when I graduated in 2000. When we asked a current student to take our picture, the student asked what we both did now. I replied that I was a Casting Director living in Los Angeles, and my former roommate was now the Director of Criminal Justice for Dallas County. I believe the student’s response was, “well okay then – you did that!” And I felt proud to say, “we sure did!”

Little did I know, more changes would soon be underway for UNT Dance & Theater – this time, with the creation of the digital alumni newsletter you see above. In the Fall of 2024, after filling out an alumni questionnaire, I received outreach from Box Office Manager Alyssa Knapschaefer who asked if I’d be interested in being featured in the first edition of the Alumni Newsletter. It was so exciting to hear about the efforts underway to connect alumni with each other and celebrate the wins in this brand new digital format. Alyssa guided me through every step of the process and I can tell she’s an asset to the Department. Well done Alyssa, well done staff, and thank you again for featuring my work journey and advice in the Spring 2025 Vol 1, Issue 1 Alumni Newsletter.