It was a night of tears and laughter, as Curry Theatre dedicated the Hall of Fame display case outside the Keith Auditorium to the memory of theatre student Matthew Walsh, who unfortunately lost his battle with cancer in 2007.
The December 14th ceremony brought Matthew's parents, Joe and Cheryl Walsh back to campus, along with Curry theatre alumni from past decades, to help celebrate his legacy.
Several former Hall of Famers, dating as far back as 1990, sent letters of memories and thoughtful reflections along with advice to current students. And many others were able to drop everything they were doing and make the trip back to Curry to attend the ceremony in person.
During the course of the evening, theatre students took turns reading the letters and sharing memories of a young man, whom many believe would have been inducted into the Hall of Fame on Awards Night 2009, had he not passed away on his 20th birthday.
Now, Matthew's name is a permanent fixture above the Hall of Fame Board on a simple plaque that reads:
In Memory of
Matthew Walsh
Actor - Angel - Friend
"The Curry Theatre Hall of Fame began with Curry Theatre itself, in 1986. But the actual plaque only saw the light of day for a few brief moments each year on Awards Night," recalls D-L Garren, Curry Theatre Professor and Director of the Drama Center.
Garren went on to say, "Matthew Walsh was an inspiration. In his short time with Curry Theatre, he served as Playbill editor, and assistant Publicity Director,as well as taking key roles in Macbeth, The New Plays Festival and Madwoman of Chaillot. Now, thanks to the deep connection we maintain with Matt's parents, and to their kind generosity, his name shines out above the Hall of Fame plaque, which finally has found a home outside the Green Room. May it inspire us all with the creative and interpersonal excellence embodied by Matthew Walsh and the Curry Theatre Hall of Famers."