A Celebration of Creativity and Community

Arts at Donnelly Day is one of the most anticipated and cherished events of the academic year at Donnelly College. This annual event brings together Donnelly students, staff and guests in a vibrant display of creativity and cultural celebration. Held on April 30, 2025, this year’s celebration was truly exceptional.  

In honor of Arts at Donnelly Day 2025, the College’s Academic Resource Center was transformed into a stunning art gallery, showcasing student creations from the 2024-25 painting and drawing classes.  Earlier in the day, a short film—a modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet—had its premiere. Written, produced, and performed by students in the Fall 2024 Acting I class, the film was both inspiring and thought-provoking. 

In the afternoon, attendees were treated to a compelling reader’s theatre presentation by students in the Spring 2025 Theatre Experience course. The students’ mixed-media performance reflected on the 2018 U.S. immigrant family separation crisis through a powerful combination of photos, sounds, and readings representing the voices of detained children. The presentation left a lasting impact, stirring both hearts and minds. 

Arts Day concluded with the prestigious Sister Mary Faith Schuster Awards ceremony recognizing exceptional submissions to Dime, Donnelly’s arts and literary journal. Named for a late member of the Benedictine Sisters, winners are awarded in several categories: 

• Academic Essay: “The Definition of Wisdom” by Amuri Justin 
• Creative Nonfiction: “Braving the Unknown” by Obrim Posadas 
• Fiction: “The Weight of History” by Peter Martin 
• Poetry: “I Come From…” by Parmisha Pokwal 
• Visual Arts: “The Silent Heist” by Maria Lucero 
• Cover Art: Wendy Quiroz 

We were delighted to have several Benedictine Sisters from Mount St. Scholastica in attendance for this event.   

Many of the works displayed or presented during Arts Day were inspired by Donnelly’s 2024-25 Common Read selection, From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream by Janice S. Ellis, Ph.D, The College had hosted Dr. Ellis for an author presentation earlier in April, and we were deeply honored to welcome Dr. Ellis and her husband, Frank back to campus, to celebrate Arts at Donnelly Day with us. 

In reflecting on the day, Dr. Ellis wrote, “I was humbled to know that my book had inspired some aspects of the film and dramatic interpretation...I am so happy that I was a part of this most moving and invigorating day of the Arts at Donnelly!"