Hunden Partners is a real estate development advisory company based in Chicago. Recently, they announced the winners of the Robin Scott Hunden Musical Theatre Scholarship fund at Ball State University. The scholarship is awarded to deserving students majoring in Musical Theatre who require financial assistance. The primary aim of the scholarship is to promote diversity in musical theatre programs and help undergraduates pursue careers in the arts. This year, the scholarship was awarded to six students: Parker Bowman from Fort Wayne, IN; Jaylen Bryant from University Park, IL; Rylee Droege from St. Louis, MO; Madison Jackson from Granger, IN; Mitchell Takeda from Sacramento, CA; and Lucia Vazquez from Homestead, FL.
“I grew up singing and performing through college, and while I didn’t pursue the performing arts as a career, I continue to love and appreciate the positive impact that the arts have on individuals and communities,” says Rob Hunden, CEO and Founder of Hunden Partners, and Founder of the Hunden Musical Theatre Scholarship. “The arts can be a catalyst for placemaking, community-building, and belonging. I’m delighted to help provide opportunities for college students to pursue their artistic careers.”
Hunden has donated over $20,000 to support Ball State students till date. The scholarship initiative was established in 2015, and the first recipients received funding in the academic year 2017-2018. The program is designed to grant scholarships to students in the Musical Theatre program, with at least one sophomore, junior, and senior receiving financial support each academic year. Students can receive the scholarship for multiple years, with both Jaylen Bryan and Mitchell Takeda receiving it twice. In addition to the scholarship program, Hunden has also covered extra costs for students related to musical theatre careers, such as travel expenses to New York for auditions. Past beneficiaries of the scholarship have performed on stage in shows including “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” on Broadway and the “Six” U.S. national tour.
“We are extremely grateful for Hunden Partners’ support in providing scholarship funding for Musical Theatre students. As we continue to recruit a talented student body with diverse socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds, we rely heavily on scholarship support to ensure that educational journeys are focused on opportunities in the classroom, on stage, and beyond,” says Bill Jenkins, chair of Ball State’s Department of Theatre and Dance. “We appreciate Rob’s partnership to help our students pursue their vision and dreams, and how much he values the vital role the arts play in thriving communities.”
