(Web Edition) Vol. 119, Issue 20 March 6, 2015
Kathryn Kellar, Editor-in-Chief
The Black & Magenta
Muskingum says goodbye to beloved professor Christine Holmes News & Managing Editor Muskingum University lost a professor, director, and mentor when Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre, John Kuhn died suddenly on Feb. 28. Kuhn was affiliated with the university since his first production at Muskingum, “La Ronde,” in 2000. He was hired full time in the Communication, Media, & Theatre Department for the 2014-2015 academic year after serving as a part-time faculty member and directing various productions. “We were looking forward to a continued affiliation with the [Kuhn and Muskingum] University,” said Chair of Communication, Media, & Theatre Department, Gene Alesandrini. For several theatre students, Kuhn changed their lives both on and off stage. “I’ve never met someone who inspired so many people and was so effective in getting people to just be swept up in this passion for theatre like he had,” said junior theatre student, John Webb. Webb was currently working on his fifth production under Kuhn’s direction. Webb said Kuhn was there for him in his hardest semester, believing in
“ C o m p a n y, ” him when Webb “Oedipus Rex,” couldn’t do it and most recenthimself. ly, “Words, Words, “I feel really Words!” blessed that I She was also got the chance part of the current to work with production Kuhn him and to meet was directing, “Bye him, and that Bye Birdie.” he was part of According to my life,” said Lauck, the proWebb. “Because duction will conI’ll carry him tinue. and the lessons “John would he taught me for be terribly disapthe rest of my pointed if it didn’t. life.” Ohio Theatre Alliance So the show goes Muskingum University As- John Kuhn gives feedback to young on,” said Lauck. sociate Profes- actors at Ohio Theatre Alliance North “One of the things that is sometimes sor of Com- Central Regional Auditions on Jan. 17. hard for people to munication & Theatre, Ron Lauck had worked with believe is that we’re not indispensable, Kuhn since Kuhn’s first production at and theatre especially proves that over and over again that the show will go Muskingum, “La Ronde.” “He’s always been the guy that’s on, with or without you.” Webb said when the cast met to dispicked up the slack in the department when someone was on sabbatical, cuss the future of the production on when were short an adjunct, he was al- March 2 there were feelings of intense ways there,” said Lauck. “He’s just a sadness mixed with anger and not unreal stalwart individual and always did derstanding in the room. He said rehearsals may get tough such a great job filling in.” Sophomore Olivia Brown partic- and they may feel like they won’t want ipated in five productions directed to go on, but they will for Kuhn. “John’s perseverance and John’s by Kuhn including “Almost Maine,”
spirit fills that theatre,” said Webb. “I think his spirit has touched all of us in a way that we’re going to go on because that is what he would want.” “Bye Bye Birdie” will open April 16 as scheduled under the direction of Alesandrini. According to Alesandrini, the production will be dedicated entirely to Kuhn. “I think that John was both a tremendous colleague and mentor,” said Assistant Professor of Music and Voice Area Coordinator, Olga Perez Flora. She worked alongside Kuhn as Music Director for “Company.” She and Kuhn also teamed up for the production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” “The best word that I can use to describe his educating style is gentle,” said Flora. “He was always open and willing to listen to all sides no matter what a student was dealing with and it was very admirable. I certainly feel that the students feel a great loss with his passing.” Lasater Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon handled Kuhn’s arrangements. According to his obituary, there was no funeral service, but a public “Celebration of Life” will be observed in Columbus in late spring. Counseling Services and Muskingum University Chaplain Will Mullins are available for students experiencing grief.
Gene Ford retires from coaching Chris Morgan Sports Editor
Muskingum University Mens Basketball Coach Gene Ford announced his retirement Monday, March 2. Ford is a 1974 graduate of Muskingum University and was the head coach for the Muskies for the last eight years. His retirement marked the end of a 39-year coaching career. “It’s the right time,” said Ford. “I’ve had [almost] 40 years of basketball and enjoyed every minute of it.” Ford believes that the timing was
T H E B L A C K & M A G E N TA
perfect for the school, stating that it gives Muskingum plenty of time to find the next head coach. Ford is a charter member of the Muskingum Athletic Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1980. Ford was a four-year letter winner for the Muskies in his time as a student-athlete, and was also an All-American honoree and three-time All-OAC selection. Ford also helped lead the Muskies to two Ohio Athletic Conference conference titles. Ford finished his playing career with 1,717 points, which still ranks second
all-time in Muskie history. Ford looks back on his coaching career with thankful eyes, stating the time he spent with players was the most important to him. “They get ahold of you and communicate with you from time to time and that just makes you feel good,” said Ford. Ford will not be involved with the search for his replacement, leaving the decision up to the administration, including Athletic Director Larry Shank. See FORD RETIRES, on Page 3
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Payton Patterson/Black & Magenta Gene Ford throws his hands up during a game on Jan. 14.