Alumna Jeanne Kelly to Present on the Importance of the Arts

*UPDATED Thursday, March 10: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the March 11 session of Friday’s at Findlay speaker, Jeanne Kelly, will be presenting virtually. Those who have registered for the in-person event are welcome to watch the presentation at Winebrenner in the TLB Auditorium, or watch remotely on UFTV’s YouTube channel. The student choir performance and breakfast buffet will continue as scheduled.

The March session of Fridays at Findlay will focus on the importance of the arts. On Friday, March 11, 2022, “Achieving Mental and Physical Wellness through Involvement with the Arts” will be presented by alumna Jeanne Kelly. The in-person event, which includes breakfast, will take place in Winebrenner Auditorium from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The cost of registration for in-person attendance for Fridays at Findlay is $10 per person and $5 for students. Registration can be completed online at the Fridays at Findlay webpage. The session will also be livestreamed, for which registration is not required, on UFTV’s YouTube channel.

Kelly ‘71, founder of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral program for older adults, will discuss how choral singing and other art forms can provide excellent artistic, mental, physical, and social opportunities in the aging community. Encore is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an excellent, accessible, and sustainable artistic environment for older adults over 55 years of age, at either beginning, intermediate or advanced levels, who seek arts education and performance opportunities under a professional artist.

Kelly’s career of over forty years has produced a unique blend of experience as a vocal performer, teacher, conductor, and music administrator. She earned an undergraduate degree in voice performance and piano from the University of Findlay and a master’s degree in voice performance from the Peabody Conservatory.

As a performer, Kelly made her professional operatic debut with the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center as Elizabetta in “L’elisir d’amore.” She has also performed major roles with the Baltimore Opera, Opera Delaware, Central City Opera, Tulsa Opera, Annapolis Opera where she performed the first opera the company produced, The Medium, and the New York City Opera Education Department. Kelly has served on the faculties of the United States Naval Academy, Baltimore School for the Arts, Hood College, and the and the Levine School of Music.

Kelly has received numerous awards throughout her career including the 1996 University of Findlay Distinguished Alumni Award, the Annie Award in Performing Arts from the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, MD in 2017, and she was one of twelve to be named “Influencers in Aging” in 2019 by Next Avenue, recognizing “her efforts to push beyond traditional boundaries and change our understanding of what it means to grow older.” Most recently, Kelly was recognized in HelpAge USA’s first-ever “60 over 60” list, honoring 60 Americans who are making significant contributions to society at the local, national or international level.

Sponsored by Premier Bank, the Fridays at Findlay lecture series is designed to encourage continued educational opportunities for members of the community, the campus, and alumni regarding best leadership practices.

To register and for more information, visit the Fridays at Findlay webpage, or contact the University of Findlay Division of Advancement at 419-434-5334 or jessica.collert@findlay.edu.