William E. Mcturk ‘48 (1925—2005) Actor, Mentor, Teacher, Activist, Friend...THESPIAN

Penn State Thespian Alumni Interest Group

VOLUMETHE 8 NUMBER 1 ENCOREWINTER, 2006 William E. McTurk ‘48 (1925—2005) Actor, Mentor, Teacher, Activist, Friend...THESPIAN

All of these words have been used to char- chester County chapter of the Alumni As- worked? acterize Bill McTurk ‘48, and the one of sociation in New York. which he might be most proud was Penn To the TAIG board, he was the first one State Thespian. From his undergraduate The most marvelous picture of Bill who prodded the other members to do performing days until his death in May of McTurk, however, comes from Jim more than just attend three meetings a last year, Bill was a Penn State Thespian, Dunaway ‘49. When hearing of Bill’s year. He started by looking for ways to proud of it, and determined to help the passing, he sent this remem- organization continue and thrive. brance of their college performing days. Bill grew up in Pittsburgh, and he entered Penn State in the 1940’s. Like many other “I knew him only as a Thes- talented students over the years, he pian. But what a comic actor worked as a disc jockey at WMAJ Radio to he was! Slightly built, with help pay his expenses. After a two-year reddish-blond hair and a break from school to serve in the US ruddy Irish complexion, his Army, Bill returned to campus and gradu- command of the stage was ated in 1948 with a degree in chemical absolute, his face a rubbery engineering. Somewhere in those years, mask across which passed a Bill and Thespians discovered each other, succession of raised eye- and he began his life-long association with brows, open-mouthed aston- our organization. ishment, deadpan stares, and exquisitely timed double- Ray Fortunato ‘47, ‘52(g) was a student takes…all delivered with around the same time, and he mentions assurance and style. To be Bill (center) & Lois McTurk pictured here with Dan two Thespian programs that list Bill in on stage (with a bit-part line Carter, Director of Penn State’s School of Theater. the cast. Ray says Bill was usually a char- or two) with Bill, Jim ‘Mule’ acter actor, appearing in No Kick Coming Mulholland and Jimmy Ambandos ‘48 raise funds for Thespians through desig- (December 1946) as well as in several dif- was so much fun I could barely keep from nated alumni annual gifts. He offered ferent scenes in Varsity Sweetheart laughing, even though we’d rehearsed the suggestions on how to organize the board, (Spring 1947). same silly stuff every night for three and he was involved in every project un- weeks. A sample: dertaken in one way or another. And he Gene Sprague ‘49, who played trumpet ‘Frankly, Doctor, I’m dubious…’ loved being an active part of Thespians for numerous shows in the late 1940’s, ‘Glad to know you, Mr. Dubious!’ again! remembers Bill as a performer. In later Hey, when you can make people laugh years, Gene got to know Bill better with lines like that, you ARE funny. In 1997, Bill and Lois moved to State Col- through their involvement in the West- Bless us all, we had a damn good time.” lege, close to their Dear Old State. This gave Bill the opportunity to bring his vi- After graduation, Bill was recruited by sions, dreams, and leadership directly to Exxon where he spent 34 years—as a the Penn State Thespians. He began at- Don’t miss out on TAIG news chemical engineer, a manager in Brussels tending the Thespian meetings, observing and announcements throughout and Milan, and as a public affairs officer in everything that was going on and often the year—join the TAIG E-Mail New York. At the age of 56, he retired to reminiscing about his own days in the club. LISTSERV today!! Scarborough, New York with his wife Lois. He was a tireless advocate for Thespians, But wherever he was, Bill McTurk main- going to bat for them in any way he If you would like to subscribe, tained his ties to his beloved Penn State could…with the administration, the and the Penn State Thespians. Alumni Association, and the Center for the please contact Bill Schwab ‘01 Performing Arts. He was always willing to at [email protected] When the Thespian Alumni Interest Group lend a helping hand and did so wherever was formed, Bill signed on to serve on the possible. Board of Directors. Who could have fore- seen the impact this man would have on But Bill was always looking for more ways TAIG, the undergraduate organization, to help Thespians, to try to improve their and the students and alums with whom he (Continued on page 2) 2 THE ENCORE

A Tribute to Bill TAIG Gift Fund Report Seven years ago, Bill McTurk ’48 spearheaded the effort to establish the TAIG Gift Fund as a way for Thespian Alumni to “give back” to the organization that had such McTurk a profound influence on our lives. The response was nothing short of spectacular and the impact on the Thespian student organization is tangible and profound. (Continued from page 1) resources. Perhaps his greatest legacy is Through your generosity, over $30,000 in equipment has been purchased for the the Thespian Alumni Gift Fund, which pools all of the alumni donations received Thespian club since 1999. Major items have included a computer for the Thespian by Thespians. This fund has allowed the office, pneumatic tools, a cyclorama curtain, new lighting instruments, wireless mi- organization to purchase equipment that crophones, power tools, and a contribution towards the complete renovation of the would otherwise have been unaffordable. lighting system in Schwab. Over $30,000 in equipment has been purchased for Thespians since the fund was Now, the Gift Fund must continue without its chief steward and advocate. Bill’s established including tools and equipment vision and determination created this fund and its continued existence will be one of for the Thespian workshop, wireless mi- his many lasting legacies. crophones, and a computer for the Thes- pian office in the HUB. It also made a If you have previously donated, we sincerely thank you—and so do the Penn State major contribution toward the complete Thespians! Remember, 100% of your gift goes into the fund and each and every gift, renovation of the lighting system in no matter the size, has a positive impact on the Thespians. Schwab. Bill was instrumental in estab-

lishing this fund and insuring its continued vitality. He also served as a mentor to To donate to the TAIG Gift Fund, simply designate Thespians to receive a portion of numerous Thespian student officers and your annual gift to Penn State, or use the clip-out form on page 3. their current faculty advisor Gerald Henry ‘91. William A. Schwab ‘01 TAIG President For everything he has done for and meant [email protected] to Thespians, Bill McTurk was awarded the “Distinguished Service to the Penn State Thespians” award in 2004. minor injuries. Thespians had lost a vital

force and a tireless advocate. President’s Notes And Bill and Lois did even more…they

made a $400,000 pledge to Penn State to Within days, plans were underway for a The tragic death of Bill McTurk ‘48 was support scholarships and the performing permanent tribute to the man who gave so something that profoundly impacted many arts. A part of this pledge will include much of himself to Thespians. At Bill’s Thespians. Bill was a driving force behind $100,000 to support Thespians’ theatrical Memorial Service in Schwab Auditorium everything that TAIG did—his passion, activities and $50,000 to aid the Center for last June, Thespians and TAIG were energy, and determination were every- the Performing Arts. pleased to announce the creation of a new where!

Thespian award in Bill’s Memory “The Bill did have a few other interests, par- William E. McTurk Award for Lifetime Despite the loss of our biggest advocate, ticularly golf. He was an Executive Com- Service to the Penn State Thespians.” It your TAIG Board has been working hard mittee member of the Metropolitan (NY) will be awarded posthumously to Thespian to insure the future prosperity and vitality Golf Association. Lois was president of alumni who have given a lifetime of ser- of Thespians—Bill would expect nothing the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Associa- vice, vision, and leadership to our organi- less of us! tion and a member of the USGA Women’s zation, just like Bill did. The award will be Committee. Both quickly accepted the represented by a plaque which will be I am pleased to announce the following WPGA’s request to help at Penn State’s prominently placed in the lobby of Schwab, additions to the TAIG Board of Directors Rutherford Invitational, where Bill served and it will contain spaces to add the names over the past year: Sarah K. Arras ‘02, for many years as a starter. of future recipients. Fred Leuschner ‘50, Stacy L. Reck ‘88,

and, Rebecca Reed ‘00. This past year, Bill had announced he was Every aspect of Bill’s service to Thespians ready to turn the reins of the TAIG presi- bespoke of his boundless energy and char- In the coming year, we plan to launch a dency over to new blood. He planned to acter, his passion and enthusiasm, quali- formalized fundraising campaign for Thes- remain on the TAIG board and was look- ties we are proud to see in Thespian mem- pians— Pete Kiefer ‘56 and Sarah K. ing forward to focusing on being a mentor bers both on-stage and behind-the-scenes. Arras ‘02 have graciously agreed to co- to the TAIG and Thespian student offi- He did not do things half-way, and ex- chair this effort! cers, hoping to insure the continuation of pected others to follow his lead. It was an the work he had begun. honor and privilege to know and work with You’ll also have a new newsletter editor—

Bill McTurk…he brought out the best in Christyn Rossman ‘02 will take charge of He and Lois had celebrated their 50th wed- all of us. He is missed. our next issue. ding anniversary at the Greenbrier Resort

in West Virginia and were on their way Luanne M. Russell ‘63 And, of course, we will continue to host a back to State College on May 12, 2005 [email protected] pre-show reception for all returning when their car rolled over and Bill was alumni prior to the Saturday evening per- killed. Lois survived the accident with (Continued on page 4) THE ENCORE 3

THESPIAN CONTRIBUTION FORM THE ENCORE THE ENCORE is a publication of the Penn State Name Thespian Alumni Interest Group (TAIG). Questions and comments regarding the content of this publication as well Address as suggestions for future articles may be sent to William A. Schwab ‘01 at [email protected] or Christyn Rossman ‘02 at [email protected] City State ZIP Code

Questions regarding TAIG may be sent to TAIG President William A. Schwab ‘01 at [email protected] Phone E-mail Class Year

My gift of $______is to benefit the Penn State Thespians. 2005 - 2006 TAIG Board Members My check is enclosed, payable to Penn State William A. Schwab ‘01, President ([email protected]) Darren R. Ferlazzo ‘01, Vice Pres. ([email protected]) Please charge my MasterCard Visa Peter Kiefer ‘56, Treasurer ([email protected]) Discover American Express Anne Giedlinski ‘67, Secretary ([email protected]) Sarah K. Arras ‘02 ([email protected]) Grace Holderman ‘34 Account Number Exp. Date Samantha E. Huckabee ‘01 ([email protected]) Fred Leuschner ‘50 ([email protected]) Stacy L. Reck ‘88 ([email protected]) Signature Rebecca Reed ‘00 ([email protected]) My company’s matching gift form is enclosed. Christyn Rossman ‘02 ([email protected]) Please complete this form and mail to: If you are interested in making your donation Luanne M. Russell ‘63 ([email protected]) Kathy Kurtz by Electronic Funds Transfer or by means of a Ruth Yeaton ‘53, ‘59(g) ([email protected]) Office of Annual Giving multi-year pledge, please contact Kathy Kurtz 17 Old Main at (888) 800-9163 University Park, PA 16802 XXTPT/AARETH Thespians of the 1970’s Reunite at Dear Old State

It was a spring weekend and the Penn we actually slept in the aisles or in the Sunday morning we had a send off brunch State weather was cold and rainy. And loft. To many of us, it was our second at the Nittany Lion Inn. More stories for the Thespians of the early 1970’s, home. were traded and deep, dark secrets ex- meeting again for the first time in over 30 posed (as if there are any left). We took a years, it was a warm welcome home. The Then it was on to the Creamery. Thank vow never to wait another 30 years. So, school is larger and the faces younger, but goodness that was open! A couple of we will be back in Spring, 2007. Come some things remain the same. Stickies Peachy Paterno's later and we headed and join us! are still grilled, the obelisk still stands, across the street to the Pavilion. Again, and the Thespians still produce a spring locked. We had a quiet moment there For pictures past and present of the musical! because of the history of the building and 1970’s Thespians, go to Kelly Yeaton. Kelly was instrumental in www.theolearys.com/thespians.htm The reunion started at the Atherton Hotel getting this former cow barn turned into a on Friday night. As people drifted into theatre. His wife, Ruth Yeaton ‘53, ‘59 Tom O’Leary the hotel’s bar and restaurant, old friend- (g), was our Thespian advisor. A month [email protected] ships were rekindled, past memories before our reunion, Kelly passed away. shared, and more than likely, a few sto- Ruth attended the reunion and we hope ries embellished. that being amongst old friends made her burden easier. Saturday morning, we met at the Diner Spring 2006 Thespian Weekend for grilled stickies. Now that place has Our final stop on the tour was the HUB changed! It’s larger and it looks like and the Student Book Store. Is every- April 6, 7, 8, 2006 someone actually cleans it from time to thing getting bigger at PSU? Footloose, Schwab Auditorium time.

Saturday night we attended the TAIG After our stickie pig out, a few trepid reception and had a great time meeting April 8, 2006 (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) souls did a tour of campus in the rain. Thespians from other years. Then it was TAIG Pre-Show Reception First stop, Schwab, of course. Unfortu- on to the show! We had a section set Allen Street Grille nately, the doors were locked so we didn’t aside for us in the balcony next to a group go in. But, even standing outside, it of the current Thespians. It was great to More details will be sent via the brought back memories of how much of see the show and watch the current Thes- TAIG e-mail LISTSERV. our time at Penn State was spent in this pians’ reactions to it. building. There were many times when THESPIAN ALUMNI INTEREST GROUP Non-profit Org. Penn State Alumni Association U.S. Postage Hintz Family Alumni Center P A I D University Park, PA 16802 State College, PA Permit No. 41

President’s Notes Help Fight Childhood Cancer—THON 2006

(Continued from page 2) Thespians will once again participate in the following organization credit for my gift.” formance of each Thespian mainstage Penn State Dance Marathon. The theme of show. THON 2006 is “Together We’ll Prevail.” If you have any questions or would prefer to make your credit card gift over the phone, You can help Thespians reach their THON please call the Penn State Office of Annual I will never forget Bill McTurk. His spirit fundraising goal AND help children with Giving at 1-888-800-9163. and grace touched all who knew him and cancer by making a donation to THON 2006 he has enriched our lives forever. and crediting Thespians for the gift. Obituaries William A. Schwab ‘01 To donate, please visit TAIG President https://secure.ddar.psu.edu/Thon/ Louis W. Doroshow ‘52 [email protected] Once there, select “Penn State Thespians” Jayne A. Fitzmartin ‘68 from the drop-down labeled “Please give the Warren H. Hinks ‘49 The Callboard

Thespian alums are always doing amazing Jim Bull ‘61 Lampoon, but will remain Chairman of the things—and we LOVE telling you about it!! [email protected] Board.

If you would like to have something in- Jim has been involved with CAST (Creative His new adventures will all be centered on cluded in our next issue, please send an e- Attention Seeking Thespians) in Hood the Great American Songbook, lecturing on mail to Christyn Rossman ‘02 at River, OR since retiring from the US Forest this music around the world (maybe at [email protected] Service ten years ago. His involvement has Penn State), and becoming involved with been mostly back stage, but he has also CD catalogs, touring shows, as well as tele- appeared in several small roles and has vision and radio programming. J. Mark Danley ‘78 even directed a show! He is currently serv- [email protected] ing as Board President. Gillian Albinski ‘93 Mark is an alum of the Class of 1978, hav- After losing their leases at the end of 2003, [email protected] ing performed in South Pacific (Spring CAST and the local co-op art gallery joined 1976), How to Succeed in Business ... forces to create Columbia Center for the Gillian’s first show was Fiddler on the Roof (Spring 1977), and A Funny Thing Hap- Arts and are in the midst of a $1.3 million in 1986. She was in High School at the pened on the Way to the Forum (Spring capital campaign to purchase and renovate time and helped the Thespians with props 1978) as well as ASM for Her Fatal Beauty a 10,000 Sq. Ft. building in downtown Hood for the show. She graduated in 1993, after (Fall 1977). River. So far, they have raised over $1 mil- working as a Stage Manager, Scenic De- lion in cash and pledges, and by late fall, signer, and serving on many run crews in Mark left Portland, ME in 2002 where he work will begin on the interior finishing Schwab. had performed with the Mad Horse Theater touches for the gallery and 3/4 thrust,125 Company in The Ugly Man, 12 Angry Men, seat theater. Grand Opening is scheduled She now works in film, TV and print, work- as well as Love! Valour! Compassion! In for late next spring. ing as a Prop Master, Art Director, Produc- July, 2002, he moved to Albuquerque to tion Designer and Stylist. She is currently teach Biology at TVI Community College If any Thespian Alumnae are in the Hood working with her husband to develop a and appeared in Moon Over Buffalo last River area, stop by and see Jim. He’d be radio series about musical theatre for pub- year at the Adobe Theater. He also di- glad to show off his new digs. lic radio. Please visit rected The Lion in Winter for Sol Arts www.compactbroadway.com for more infor- Theater in Albuquerque and has assumed mation. the duties of Chair of Biology at TVI. Jim Jimirro ‘58 [email protected] He also adopted a son – Lucas Danley Shay. Jim recently sold his company, National This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.