If all the COVID-19 stories were laid end to end and submerged, it might be a good thing. Most of us think of this acronym (Corona Virus Disease-2019) in negative terms.
However, just as some first century Christians wondered if anything good could come out of Nazareth, surely Jesus smiled and cut them much slack. Maybe even the pandemic provided an ill wind that blew some good.
During a wonderful visit with Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld recently–and all visits with this veteran teacher of theatre, as well as both the star and director of countless stage productions–we recalled a “make do” arrangement caused by COVID….
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“Make do” is an oft-used phrase in the theatre world, Dr. Humfeld believes.
She may be the “queen of make-do’ers,” or at least one of many drama professionals who consider tape, baling wire and chewing gum wads to be part and parcel of drama productions.
Heaven knows she’s experienced, now retired from leading drama programs at Howard Payne University for 34 years, but still going strong at Brownwood’s Lyric Theatre. There, university students are involved in a mix of others from throughout the community. They produce several live plays annually, all well attended by locals and fans from miles around….
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I digress–again.
As we recounted the horrors of COVID, Dr. Humfeld took a deep dive into the full part of the half-filled glass.
She remembers the COVID years well, when students wore masks to protect themselves from the disease. They were greatly disadvantaged, since effective acting depends greatly on facial expressions.
Such a problem didn’t stop her; and her solution wasn’t rocket surgery….
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Dr. Humfeld had an idea–no, even more. Most ideas simmer along before implementation. With her, however, they are seismic, sometimes exploding as if re-entering the earth’s atmosphere.
Remember, this was a positive solution!
She was frustrated, realizing that expressions were essentially meaningless behind the students’ masks, particularly for those wearing ball caps. Only their eyes were visible….
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She fixed things quickly, distributing plastic face shields that were worn like eyeglasses.
For her classes, masks were tossed aside.
Now that’s a breath of fresh air….
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In the early years of my HPU presidency,–a valued colleague and friend of 50 years–was Dr. Lanny Hall, who later served as president of Wayland Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University (twice) and HPU.
We both were impressed with Dr. Humfeld’s credentials when she came to HPU in 1986.
That she has endeared herself to thousands of students–and continues to do so as Artistic Director of the Lyric Performing Arts Company–surprises us not at all….
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Each year, several hundred alumni return for HPU homecoming.
Their conversations deal with experiences of yesterday. They visit favorite campus sites, talk about cafeteria food and have thousands of “whatever-happened-to-old-so-and-so” conversations.
Some beat trails to check on their favorite teachers. None is more heavily trod than the one leading to Dr. Humfeld, who has given her all for their benefit, propping up many along the way.
There is much evidence of her devotion….
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A few years ago when personnel budgets were trimmed, she voluntarily stepped aside to make it possible for a valued colleague–and former student–to assume her leadership role. Dr. Nick Ewen, one of four Wyoming brothers who attended HPU, now chairs the department. (All four Ewens sat in her classes.) It’s difficult to determine where Dr. Humfeld left off and Dr. Ewen stepped in. They were cut from the same cloth.
There’s a campaign currently underway to renovate the Lyric stage, which will be named in Dr. Humfeld’s honor.
Gifts from friends and former students are likely to contribute generously. The campaign shouldn’t take long….
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Happened to think just now about the first faculty meeting I called as president of Snyder’s Western Texas College in 1986.
A faculty member chided me for calling it on a Wednesday.
“You spoiled both weekends,” he explained…..
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Dr. Newbury is a speaker in the Metroplex, may be reached at 817-447-3872; email: [email protected]. Column audio version at www.speakerdoc.com.