Munsell honored during Alumni Days
10/10/2009
By Laura Podgornik
“Did he ever grow up?” joked Dr. Emeritus O. Gayle Manion as he spoke at the induction of John D. Munsell to the Department of Communicating Arts Wall of Service Friday evening.
The lobby of the Holden Fine Arts Center was crowded and jovial as chair of the dept., Martha Einerson, kicked off an evening filled with memories, tears and quite a bit of laughs.
A’viands catered the event. Testimonial was provided by alumni Stewart Platner, Rick Sordelet and, as stated previously, Professor Emeritus O. Gayle Manion.
Manion acknowledged Munsell’s “enthusiastic, personal, and undying commitment to his students.” Speakers also recognized Munsell’s ability to scare incoming freshman, bring life to the theatre, and heavily support the UWS athletic department.
Along with the plaque on the wall, Munsell was also given a framed photograph highlighting his commitment to UWS sports.
Platner also accredited Munsell’s dedication when he stated, “John not only supported the Comm. Arts and athletics departments; he supported all the departments at UW-Superior.”
Even as the plaque was presented to Munsell, the jokes never ceased. Platner paused during his presentation and Munsell was quick to add, “We always dress alike,” commenting on their similar khaki jackets.
Munsell thanked his wife, daughter, and many of his colleagues from UWS and other theatre work. He poked fun back at Manion as he recalled his former colleagues in the department.
“Gayle Manion hired us; either he knew what he was doing or he had a sick sense of humor,” laughed Munsell. “We were the men of Manion. He taught us to take ourselves less seriously and our colleagues more seriously.”
He concluded his acceptance by stating, “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing all of the people on that wall, with the exception of Kathryn Ohman, and there’s no greater honor I could have than to be on a wall with people like that.”
Munsell was also honored by alumni with a production entitled “The Fourth Wall.” It was performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Manion Theatre.
The lobby of the Holden Fine Arts Center was crowded and jovial as chair of the dept., Martha Einerson, kicked off an evening filled with memories, tears and quite a bit of laughs.
A’viands catered the event. Testimonial was provided by alumni Stewart Platner, Rick Sordelet and, as stated previously, Professor Emeritus O. Gayle Manion.
Manion acknowledged Munsell’s “enthusiastic, personal, and undying commitment to his students.” Speakers also recognized Munsell’s ability to scare incoming freshman, bring life to the theatre, and heavily support the UWS athletic department.
Along with the plaque on the wall, Munsell was also given a framed photograph highlighting his commitment to UWS sports.
Platner also accredited Munsell’s dedication when he stated, “John not only supported the Comm. Arts and athletics departments; he supported all the departments at UW-Superior.”
Even as the plaque was presented to Munsell, the jokes never ceased. Platner paused during his presentation and Munsell was quick to add, “We always dress alike,” commenting on their similar khaki jackets.
Munsell thanked his wife, daughter, and many of his colleagues from UWS and other theatre work. He poked fun back at Manion as he recalled his former colleagues in the department.
“Gayle Manion hired us; either he knew what he was doing or he had a sick sense of humor,” laughed Munsell. “We were the men of Manion. He taught us to take ourselves less seriously and our colleagues more seriously.”
He concluded his acceptance by stating, “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing all of the people on that wall, with the exception of Kathryn Ohman, and there’s no greater honor I could have than to be on a wall with people like that.”
Munsell was also honored by alumni with a production entitled “The Fourth Wall.” It was performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Manion Theatre.
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