Tony Weinert Scholarship

Photo: Cornelia & Tony Weinert; Photo by Abe Frajndlich

The Tony Weinert and CORNELIA SPRING THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Some of Tony Weinert’s fondest memories at Cleveland State University stem back to his time at the Factory Theatre. It was here, at CSU’s first dedicated theatre space, that Tony defined his skills and passion for theatre, and most recently, his desire to support future theatre artists by establishing the Tony Weinert and Cornelia Spring Theatre Scholarship Fund. Tony stated, “Studying theatre at CSU helped prepare me for my future. Through this scholarship I hope to be able to support young artists find their voice, and honor the legacy of my late wife, Cornelia Spring, and her love of the arts.”

This is the second scholarship Tony launched at CSU, his first being an immediate use scholarship from 2016-2020. While Tony continues to provide financial support to undergraduate junior and senior theatre majors who demonstrate interest, ability, or talent in acting and directing through the endowed scholarship, he opened the criteria to students with an interest in set design to recognize one of Cornelia’s areas of interest.

Tony’s story with CSU began over 50 years ago. In 1968, shortly after graduating from high school, Tony experienced the death of his father who was then just 45 years of age. His aunt provided this advice, “Don’t let his passing stop you from getting an education.” Tony was able to commute to CSU at night. Eventually he shifted to full-time days while keeping a part-time job at night and helping his mom and sisters whenever he could. Not yet knowing his major but having performed in theatre at John Marshall High School, Tony auditioned for Aristophanes' “The Birds” and received a part in the play. “The Birds” was a hit and the ensemble was invited to perform at the prestigious College Theater Festival at George Washington University Centre in Washington DC, where it won an award. Tony also worked on “Jacques Brel” at CSU before it moved to Playhouse Square and its historic revival.

While at CSU, Tony created his own theatre group BITE, the Bezerko Improvisational Theatre Ensemble. After graduating in 1973, Tony led the improv company for eight years. He met his late wife Cornelia Spring, CFP, in an arts management course at CSU in 1977. Cornelia received a Fulbright after completing her Bachelor’s degree at Bryn Mawr and taught the English language in India. Cornelia was the first Director of NOVA (New Organization for the Visual Arts), a nonprofit organization in Cleveland that focused on development and business growth for visual artists. Cornelia admired the work of artist Christo and was part of the team that realized his renowned work at Pont Neuf, Paris, France. She was instrumental in introducing Tony to Christo’s work. Tony became inspired by Christo, and later supported the development of his work, The Umbrellas, in Northern Los Angeles county. Christo remained an artistic inspiration to both Tony and Cornelia throughout their lifetimes. As a Certified Financial Planner, Cornelia introduced Tony to the business of financial investment advising. After many wonderful years in theatre, Tony became a Registered Investment Advisor and began a new career with Cetera Advisor Networks. Every time Tony gets in front of a group to speak, he is grateful for what he has learned about communications and his many theatre experiences. He is an active mentor to his scholarship recipients, attends their performances, and continues to provide support as they transition into their professions. CLASS Interim Dean Dr. Allyson Robichaud is grateful to Tony for his generosity, “Our students majoring in theatre will undoubtedly benefit through this scholarship fund, endowed to carry on the legacy of two very important people, and be provided with more opportunities to succeed in their future careers as theatre artists. Thank you, Tony!”