Balancing the arts and the sciences comes naturally to Natali Diaz-Yepes, a graduating senior double majoring in dance and biology. Diaz-Yepes’ father is a doctor of biology statistics, and she’s been in love with dance since the age of three. This solid foundation in both fields keeps her days interesting and her evenings busy. The last few semesters, she has found herself alternating dance and science classes throughout her days. Many people may find this a challenging switch every couple of hours, but Diaz-Yepes finds it really plays to her strengths. “Whenever I go to one of my biology labs, I seem to approach the experiments very creatively; and when I’m in the dance studio working on choreography, I always rely on very calculated and methodical approaches,” Diaz-Yepes said. Diaz-Yepes finds inspiration in interesting places.

Vashti Goracke, B.F.A. in dance, Class of 2015

Vashti Goracke has a bittersweet relationship with dance. Some days are good, some days are bad. There can be lots of pain. But she wouldn’t trade anything for the ability to tell stories and say whatever she’s thinking and feeling through dance.

  Liberal arts and sciences graduates go on to successful and sometimes unconventional careers. They combine personal passion with the flexibility of their degree to build careers that are both fulfilling and challenging.

Matt Jacobson is an associate professor of film and science fiction modeler. 

When did you start building these models and why? 

Since 1929, the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards have captured the hearts of millions of fans. Widely considered to be the world’s most prestigious cinematic awards ceremony, the Oscars recognize the most iconic films in history. But did you know you can see, hold, and revel in a piece of that history right here on campus? During special events in the KU Department of Theatre, “Oscar” makes an appearance for selfies and sentimental speeches with visitors and fans. The Oscar was presented to KU alumnus William Inge for his work “Splendor in the Grass,” which was recognized by the Academy for Best Original Story and Screenplay in 1961. The film was also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globes. Following his death in 1973, Inge’s family donated the Oscar award to the KU Theatre Department. Inge graduated in 1935 with a B.A. in speech and drama.

A spring 2014 visit with students in the University of Kansas Department of Theatre inspired alumnus Jon Eicholtz and his wife, actress Barbara Eden, of Beverly Hills, California, to make a $300,000 gift to provide one full-ride undergraduate scholarship for a student who plans to be a professional actor. “I had a desire to do something for the university in acknowledgement of and return for what it had done for me. KU gave me a foundation for my life,” Eicholtz said.

Film & Media Studies interns raise profile of The Nature Conservancy efforts through films A new initiative between KU Film & Media Studies, The Nature Conservancy and ITC served as an opportunity for two talented students and an alumnus to create four informational videos that raise awareness of conservation issues in Kansas. Over the course of 2014, the students completed 10 location shoots at Conservancy properties and project areas around the state and logged more than 50 hours of video footage.

Dividing their time among five locations over four weeks, a group of four KU art students were immersed in the  history and culture of Japan. The students participated in the two major artist residency programs in Japan, MI-LAB and Awagami Factory, where they received hands-on demonstrations from Japanese masters and had time to make their own Japanese paper and prints. Visual art associate professor Yoonmi Nam arranged the trip. She wanted students to interact with and learn from local craftspeople who are working to continue, preserve and appreciate traditional arts and crafts in contemporary Japan.

For the past four semesters, more than 50 visual art students, faculty and staff have been working on a commissioned work for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The sculpture, “An Abounding Asset: A Diligent Reserve,” became a permanent display Nov. 15 as the Reserve celebrates its 100th anniversary. This educational partnership began with students being tasked to develop 400 ideas that would be narrowed down to just three to present to the client.

Growing up in an underprivileged area of Wichita, Kansas, it never occurred to Edgar Heap of Birds that being a professional artist was an option for a career. Luckily, for the art world, the many students he’s taught, and the people he’s honored and educated with his art worldwide, it was.