Scholarship established in honor of retiring Fine Arts faculty member George Arthur

George Arthur has been a fixture in Olin Hall since 1978. He has served as a teaching associate and the College's coordinator of fine arts technical services.

At his retirement party in early May, Arthur was surprised by several former shop assistants and alumni of Roanoke's theater program. And he was especially surprised when they announced the formation of an endowed scholarship in his honor. The George N. Arthur Endowed Student Scholarship in Technical Theatre Arts was created and supported by Arthur's former students, friends and other members of the Roanoke College community in recognition of his service, mentorship and commitment to students in pursuit of excellence in the technical theatre arts. This endowed scholarship will recognize and provide financial assistance to an outstanding and deserving rising senior who has an interest in the technical theatre arts.

"George is an amazing person who, during his tenure, taught his students far more than theatre arts," Brian Rickabaugh '98 said. "He taught us about life, hard work, and dedication to an art form. The outpouring of love and admiration on the occasion of George's retirement was inspiring. We created this endowment as an everlasting expression of how much George means to all of us so future generations of theatre arts students will benefit from his impact on our lives."

Arthur was the 1996 recipient of the Dean's Council Award for Exemplary Service for his excellent work with faculty, staff, students, artists, dignitaries and the public. He was the set and lighting designer for Theatre Roanoke College events for many years and he assisted in the production of countless performance events at Olin Theatre. Arthur also taught in the College's Elderscholar program and works with schools and local theatres with their performances.

Arthur holds a Master of Fine Arts in technical theatre degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and is a member of several professional organizations. Arthur is more than an instructor; he is known as a mentor for his students, helping them with resumes, portfolios, internships, and interview and auditioning skills.