By CHRISTINA MUNSTER, Student Writer
Sitting on the upper level, she watches over her students with a steady eye. It’s nothing new for her, another theatre set to setup, she takes a deep breath and smiles like she always has for 15 years. This week is different. This week is not only homecoming, but also a time to see her predecessor.
Kimberly Weast is ready to for her “Theatre Reunion” with doctor Linda “Doc” Stewart, celebrating 50 years of Northwestern history added together. Stewart served 35 years and Weast 15 years.
Stewart will march in this year’s parade as parade marshal. She retired from Northwestern in 2002 after teaching speech and theatre. Being a Northwestern alumnus, she found her passion for theatre as a student at the college. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in English and speech education, along with a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, Stewart went on to receive a doctorate degree in education from Oklahoma State University in 1970. While she was getting her doctorate, former Speech professor, Boyce Pennington, who offered her a teaching position for speech and theatre. She accepted and was honored by the university with a Distinguished Teaching Award in 1985 and the John Sheffield Teacher of the Year Award in 1997.
“I just did the same thing every other teacher did,” said Sterwart. “Whatever was related to your field or they think you can do, they have you do it, and that’s part of the fun. I think that’s where you really get to know your students and become like family. Because when you’re in the theatre all day long and part of the night, our job is unique that we go back to school after supper to practice a play or build a set. We always tried to make the person who was the actor be well-rounded to be able to do lights or staging or something. When you try to get into professional theatre, that’s the main thing that gets you into the show is that you can do something else.”
Kimberly Weast, who took over for Stewart holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, a Masters in Communication Arts in Theatrical Performance and Television Production from Southwestern Theological Seminary and a Masters of Fine Arts in Theatrical Directing from Lindenwood University. Weast was named the Oklahoma Speech Theatre Communication Association’s 2007 Collegiate Theatre Educator of the year.
Stewart’s predecessor is ready to make the Reunion bittersweet for not only Stewart, but the rest of the alumni. “We have people coming in from Kentucky, Misssouri, everywhere,” said Weast.
Registration for the event “50 Years of Northwestern Theatre” for Alumni will begin in the town square Saturday between 9a.m. and 10 a.m., prior to the parade. Stewart will be sitting in the alumni tent. There will be an open house and campus tours between 2p.m. and 2:30 p.m. meeting in Herod Hall. Alumni will sit together on the south end of the Ranger football stadium. At 8 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, there will be an alumni dinner reception, which will be $10 per person.