William Mandicott, assistant vice president for Student and Community Involvement at Frostburg State University, and executive director of the University’s Cultural Events Series, was recently honored as Presenter of the Year at the annual Pennsylvania Presenters conference in Gettysburg, Pa.
Last year’s award recipient, Hank Knerr of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, presented the award. In his introduction, he cited Mandicott’s tireless vision, energy and innovation, describing him as “an inspirational mover and shaker … a bridge builder that connects audiences, colleagues, artists and students,” and “a champion for all that the arts can offer our world.”
In his standing as a Maryland presenter, Mandicott is an atypical recipient of this award. Knerr pointed this out in his introduction, and referred to Mandicott as an “honorary Pennsylvanian.” He also praised Mandicott’s work across state boundaries: “He has … been one of our most tireless lifelines, connecting our state to our colleagues to the south and beyond.”
The award was a surprise for Mandicott. In accepting the award, he warmly thanked the PA Presenters organization and expressed his commitment to continue building bridges across state lines to support a strong regional arts community.
Pennsylvania-based theatre performer Dan Kamin, who appeared as part of FSU’s Cultural Events Series in 2005, nominated Mandicott to the award committee: “Bill Mandicott is a valuable contributor to the community of presenters and artists through his consistent and wholehearted participation at several regional arts presenter conferences, notably PA Presenters. More importantly, Bill treats his work as a presenter in Frostburg … as a real mission. I have witnessed firsthand how he approaches it with unflagging enthusiasm, flexibility and inventiveness. I've also seen how he’s been an inspirational mentor to his student staff and volunteers. In short, Bill Mandicott is a presenter for all seasons, and I gladly recommend him for the honor of being named PA Presenters Presenter of the Year.”
Established in 1987 as a service organization, PA Presenters is a consortium of regional arts presenters and others working in the performing arts. The organization provides networking support, professional development and booking and touring engagements across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. Each year, the Presenter of the Year award is given to an individual who has made a meaningful volunteer contribution to PA Presenters and the presenting field as a whole.
For more information, contact Mary Jane Plummer at 301-687-7495 or mplummer@frostburg.edu.
Situated in the mountains of Allegany County, Frostburg State University is one of the 13 institutions of the University System of Maryland. FSU is a comprehensive, residential regional university and serves as an educational and cultural center for Western Maryland.
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