Linfield University on Monday announced that a generous gift from longtime donor and arts patron Ronni Lacroute will allow the university to fund a full-time faculty position in the Department of Art.
The funds will allow Kahlil Pedizisai, a nationally recognized filmmaker and digital artist who prioritizes hands-on experience (or experiential learning) for the students in his film and photography courses, to assume a full-time position at Linfield. He has been a visiting artist for the past academic year.
Lacroute’s gift will also fund visiting artists in the Department of Art, Department of Theatre and Communication Arts and Department of Music. The university is in the process of evaluating what additional arts programming the gift might make possible.
“It is a joy to support programs in the arts at Linfield University and to witness the enthusiasm of the students for these programs,” said Lacroute, who pre-pandemic was often seen in the front row at campus theatre or music events, or at art gallery exhibitions, notebook and pen in hand. Lacroute for years has given widely to support a variety of Pacific Northwest arts organizations, including Linfield’s, and said she looks forward to the new perspectives and diverse ideas additional artists and exhibitions will bring the university.
Joe Wilferth, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, expressed his gratitude for the gift.
“We appreciate Ronni’s generous and continued support, particularly for the arts on our campus,” he said. “She is a powerful ally, one who recognizes the importance of the visual and performing arts in the lives of our students, regardless of their major or program of study.”
Read more about productions, exhibitions and other artistic opportunities for Linfield students or the public at linfield.edu/arts.
Linfield University is an independent, non-profit university with campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon. Since 1858, Linfield has connected a traditional liberal arts experience with practical education through 56 majors, including wine studies, sport management and nursing. For three years running, U.S. News & World Report magazine has named Linfield one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation when it comes to social mobility. Thirty-two percent of Linfield students are first-generation college students, and more than one-third are U.S. students of color. Linfield competes in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. Learn more at www.linfield.edu.
