Dressed in regalia and grinning ear-to-ear, graduates posed for photos with their professors while laughing, embracing and trading stories. They also had much to share about taking that step towards their professional lives and reflected thoughtfully on their plans after graduation.<\/p>\n
Dean\u2019s Scholar\/Artist award winner Ethan Lynch looks forward to a theatrical career, graduating with a BFA degree in Musical Theatre. Entering the college as an honors student, Ethan was first recognized in the 2015 President\u2019s Opening Day address as a notable incoming Freshman.\u00a0 He has since received several scholarships and been recognized for his performing talents by prestigious national organizations.<\/p>\n
Senior speaker Sophia Voglino is receiving a BFA in Theatre Production and Design, with a concentration in Stage Management.
![\"Sophia](\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/arts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/06\/Sophia-Voglino-2019.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>“We are about to shape the world with our own two hands, and we will do so with the knowledge imparted to us here at Montclair State.<\/p>\n
The role of education in art, and education\u00a0through\u00a0<\/em>art is a tradition dating back centuries, and one that we should be proud to uphold as we begin our professional adventures.”<\/p><\/div><\/p><\/div> She graduates from Montclair State to join the Stage Management team at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut. Sophia aspires to continue her career as a professional stage manager, seeking out works that champion the voices of marginalized people.<\/p>\n Aldo D. Scrofani \u201973, Recipient of College of the Arts\u2019 Distinguished Alumni Award<\/strong><\/p>\n Aldo D. Scrofani began his career in the theatre in 1977 at Jujamcyn Theatres Corporation. During his 13 years there, he served as Executive Vice President and Executive Producer and participated in the vast growth of the organization as it became one of America\u2019s leading and most progressive theatrical companies.\u00a0 In 1990, he joined Columbia Artists Theatricals, one of the industry\u2019s most highly regarded producing and management companies. Over the next 18 years, he served as the Chief Operating Officer.\u00a0 Additionally he held the to the position of Executive Vice president and COO of Columbia Artists Management, and he was a senior member of the Board of Directors. In 2009, Mr. Scrofani founded Theatre Management Associates and its subsidiary Moonglow Productions, providing expertise and professional services to theatrical ventures on a worldwide basis. Currently, he serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc., which includes the world famous and iconic Apollo Theater.\u00a0 During his 41 years in the live entertainment industry, Mr. Scrofani has produced, co-produced, or worked in association with over 100 Broadway, National, and\/or international productions. He is a lifetime member of The League of American Theatres and Producers (now The Broadway League), serving on both the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors.\u00a0 He also served for 15 years on both the Tony\u00ae Management and Tony\u00ae Administration committees, and he continues to be a Tony Award voter.<\/p>\n In his remarks to the College of the Arts Graduating Class of 2019 he stressed the importance of taking risks and being courageous, in part quoting wisdom imparted by Winnie the Pooh: \u201cI always get where I am going by leaving the place I have been.\u201d He closed by say, \u201cYou are poised to change this world by the work and passion you have chosen.!\u00a0 I wish you courage, will, passion, need for discovery, brilliant collaborative \u2018fellow travelers\u2019 to explore and build with, becoming part of endeavors that because of you and through you will affect the world around you in positive and meaningful ways.\u00a0 Godspeed as you plunge into those sublime seas. Dive deep and swim far!\u201d<\/p>\n