CONSERVATORY LIVE ONLINE
Stage Left Summer Sessions
DA LE PRE S TON ’ 8 3
A series of online programs featuring Oberlin Conservatory faculty, students, alumni, and other guests that was launched this spring in response to the campus-clearing COVID-19 pandemic will continue through the summer months. “Fostering connections through the artistry of our Oberlin community is central to what we do—in good times and in challenging times too,” says Dean of the Conservatory William Quillen. “With this great wealth of creativity comes great opportunities to share it with those who can’t experience it firsthand. Through Oberlin Stage Left, we are thrilled to offer exciting new points of connection, inspiration, and discovery for everyone who finds joy and comfort in the work of our creative community.” Stage Left events this spring featured Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology Kathryn Metz discussing the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson with rock music biographer Peter Carlin; Quillen interviewing harp professor Yolanda Kondonassis; Professors Bobby Ferrazza and La Tanya Hall talking with Grammy-winning jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner ’08; Seth Rudetsky ’88 sharing behind-the-scenes Broadway stories; and Gregory Ristow ’01 talking with writer Helen Paxton ’73 about her article in this magazine exploring Oberlin’s response to the killings of protesters at Kent State on May 4, 1970. Events are streamed live and archived at oberlin.edu/conservatory/stage-left. OBERLIN ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2020 / SPRING/SUMMER
IN MEMORIAM
Marjorie “Midge” Brittingham, 1938-2019 marjorie “midge” wood brittingham ’60, who served as executive director of the Oberlin Alumni Association for 28 years and continued her close relationship with campus for many years after her retirement in 2004, died December 31, 2019, at her home in Oberlin. Midge met her husband, Smith R. Brittingham III ’60, at Oberlin, and they were married on Commencement Weekend. They left Oberlin together but returned for good in 1969 to raise their family and reconnect with campus. Under Midge’s watch, Oberlin created the Alumni Council, developed the Oberlin alumni tours program (leading tours to 65 countries during her tenure), and advanced mentorship programs that connected alumni with current students. At their home, she and Smith hosted weekly “Sunday dinners at the Brittinghams” for students from all over the world. Scott Alberts ’94, president of the Oberlin Alumni Association, recalls how Midge
influenced Obies across generations and regions. “Not only was Midge a living database of Obie information, but she also could say why each of us was special, and how each of us connected to the school and each other. When she asked how I was, she also asked about my roommates and friends, where they were, and how they were doing.” In 2005, Midge was awarded the Alumni Medal in recognition of her contributions to the college, the Alumni Association, and the community. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Smith R. Brittingham IV ’84 and William Brittingham ’87, and four grandchildren. The Marjorie Wood Brittingham ’60 Alumni in Service to Oberlin College (ASOC) fund was established in 2003 by friends and colleagues to honor her years of service. Those who wish to make a gift of remembrance may direct it to that fund. 9