Alumni

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dumela

The DUMELA Alumni Council is an organization established to support WIU’s Department of Theatre & Dance by serving as advocates for the BIPOC student body. We strive to “Be the Bridge” between the current students, the department and its professional alumni.

Dumela is a Bantu word meaning, I believe in you, I affirm you, and I see the great potential in you. This word serves as our beacon of light, guiding our every action, as we work to embody its meaning in all that we do. We believe that the power of representation is pertinent in building a promising future for BIPOC artists of tomorrow.  

What we are up to:

  • Working toward making minority theatre studies a regular part of the core curriculum
  • Produce minority themed productions/tours
  • Participate in BIPOC recruitment and departmental entrance auditions, and assist in facilitating partnerships with performing arts schools/organizations that possess diverse student bodies
  • Support the Department of Theatre & Dance through fundraising efforts
  • Provide scholarships for potential/current students
  • Organize departmental social events to encourage engagement between alumni & current students
  • Provide resources for guest artists to facilitate workshops & classes
  • Collaborate with WIU’s Alumni Association (of which ALL WIU Alumni are members) and the WIU Alumni Council

Our Mission: While we facilitate relationships between current students of color and alumni, we also strive to advance their successes as they prepare for, and pursue careers as professionals within the arts industry. 

Dumela Sponsored Events:

  • Dumela Workshops & More - March 25, 2023 at Simpkins Theatre
    • Conquering Auditions Workshop
       11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
       Simpkins Theatre 
    • Building Our Tables: Conversations with Black Artists
       2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
       Simpkins Theatre
    • Karaoke with Dumela
      7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
       Simpkins Theatre
  • Dumela: Alumni Reunion Weekend - Spring Semester
  • Back to School Dinner - Fall Semester

Please feel free to contact the DUMELA Alumni Council here at A-Association@wiu.edu. Consider joining us by filling in your information via the button below (be sure to indicate in the comments you are interested in being a part of DUMELA). 

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You may also join us on Facebook or do both! Utilizing the Update Us button will also update your information with the WIU Alumni Association!