John “JD” Dennis ’79 crafted functional art all his life. Then, he found his passion for creating banjos. By Robyn Rime Fun fact: You can create a superb musical instrument without knowing how to play a single note. John “JD” Dennis ’79—co-founder of Hickory Street Banjo and maker of sought-after hand-crafted banjos—is emphatically, unabashedly, not
His Creations Help Musicians Strum the Perfect Notes Read More »
Video by Mat Johnson John “JD” Dennis ’79—co-founder of Hickory Street Banjo and maker of sought-after hand-crafted banjos—is emphatically, unabashedly, not a musician. But he is devotee of process and a craftsman. Together with his longtime friend—and musician— David Frenzel, they carefully create banjos for musicians from all over. Hear Frenzel play some music on
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Geneseo’s director of creative writing Kristen Gentry on writing — and revising — what you know. by Robyn Rime Even back in grade school, Kristen Gentry wrote stories. “I always loved writing because I always loved reading,” she says. “But it never crossed my mind to think it was something I could actually do.
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Professional potters Mark Lukacs ’76 and Cathy Lukacs ’74 own Lukacs Pottery in Sodus Point, N.Y. They met in a ceramics class at SUNY Geneseo, and the rest is history. Video by Mat Johnson Related Stories
Alumni Profile: Shaping a Life Together Read More »
Professor and artistic director Jonette Lancos finds joy helping students find their own flow and freedom on stage. By Kris Dreessen Professor of Dance Jonette Lancos took her first dance lesson at age 7, with the girls on her street who wanted to learn tap. When they eventually dropped out, she kept going, adding different
Why I Teach: 46 Years and Still Inspired Read More »
Walt Disney animator Becky Bresee ’93 brings fairy tales to life. By Carol Marcy When you wish upon a star, do your dreams come true? Yes, if you are Becky Bresee ’93. As a young girl, she loved The Walt Disney Company’s fairy tales. She dreamed of the characters’ lives — royalty in castles and
Making “Frozen” Magic on the Silver Screen Read More »
Katherine Andersen ’19 spent an entire semester creating and constructing a wearable historical traveling gown, inspired by a museum visit while studying abroad in the Netherlands. Bonita Bauter Stubblefield ’82, lecturer in theatre and dance, theatre costume designer, mentors students like Andersen who wish to learn to create costumes. She says she the beauty of
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While Geneseo’s mission is to foster student growth, faculty and staff learn and gain inspiration from students as well. By Kris Dreessen In higher education, we most often hear about how students learn from professors and staff. But just as often, those faculty and staff members say they learn from and are inspired by students.
Jeff Fasano ’80 chose passion over an uninspiring career. He was rewarded with his dream job, photographing musicians and actors. By Kris Dreessen For 18 years, Jeff Fasano ’80 worked a corporate job organizing container ships carrying goods for import and export. Ultimately, it was disappointing to spend his days in New York City, poring over operations in
Howard Blumenthal ’74 explores the future by interviewing kids around the world. By Kris Dreessen Watch the Kids on Earth videos. Howard Blumenthal ’74 created and produced the Peabody Award-winning PBS series, “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” to teach kids geography and problem-solving. The show combined a detective story, game show, comedy and
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