Celebrate La Salle to showcase community talent

By Katie Williams
Collegian Editor
February 13, 2008

When you looks at your economics professor, or the person working in the Union or even the person sitting next to you in public speaking, your first thought probably isn’t, “Man, I bet that person can wail on a guitar.”

In fact, hidden talents at La Salle are rarely considered. However, the creators of Celebrate La Salle hope to change all that.

Katie Williams - Sophomore chemistry and general education major Val Ciaramella
teaches alumni Amy Nickerson (‘07) and Christopher McBride (‘07) dance moves for their performa.

The event, which takes place Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. in the Dan Rodden Theatre, is billed as “an evening by La Salle...for La Salle. It will feature performances, some solo, some ensemble, by faculty, students, staff and alumni.

Anna Allen, the associate dean of students, is responsible for planning the event.

“It’s a variety show. We have singers, comedians, dancers, poetry readings, spoken word and really anything you can think of,” Allen said.

The original idea for the event came from last year’s musical tribute to Sidney MacLeod, a professor from the communication department.

“I was asked to help out with that, and I saw that everyone had a really good time,” Allen said.

The performers were picked in various ways. Several postings were made on the myLasalle portal, and e-mails were sent to alumni.

One goal Allen had was to get people from different walks of life together. Some ensemble groups, therefore, consist of strangers who asked to be involved.

“Our theme is to celebrate La Salle and be together as a community. This is an opportunity for teachers, staff and students to do something together,” Allen said.

“This certainly isn’t the first time something like this has happened, but things like this aren’t created often enough.”

Alumni are also heavily involved in the show. Some alumni are only a few years removed from the school, while some are “from years and years ago,” Allen said.

Professors scheduled to perform include Lane Neubauer, associate dean of students, Dr. Mike Smith of the communication department, Dr. Gerry Ballough of the biology department and Dr. Dave Falcone of the psychology department, among others.

“Staff members will be performing as well,” Allen said.

“For example, I’m involved. There’s also one administrator who will be performing opera. She blew me away when she started singing, I would have never guessed she was that talented.”

Allen hopes that people come see the performance in order to experience new things.

“Someone e-mailed me today to ask who the performers were. They said that they would be more prone to come if they knew the performers. I say, don’t come to see things that you expect. Come for the unexpected.”

The performances will not all be on stage. During intermission one alumnus will be displaying his art.

La Salle executive chief will also be performing culinary arts during the intermission.

Those attending the event are asked to bring canned goods or books to the performance. The items will be collected for Philabundance, the largest food bank in the area, and Logan Elementary School Library.

williamsk1@lasalle.edu