Colorado Mesa University proudly announces the dedication of the dance studio in the Moss Performing Arts Center to the founder of its dance program, Professor Emerita Ann J. Sanders. This recognition pays tribute to Sanders' pioneering contributions to the university's arts and cultural landscape.
Having spearheaded the dance program since its inception in the early 1970s until her retirement in 2005, Sanders was instrumental in its evolution and success. Beginning in the kinesiology department, she integrated the program with the theatre department in the 1990s, ultimately establishing CMU's first bachelor’s degree in dance.
The 2009 renovation of the Moss Performing Arts Center featured a new state-of-the-art dance studio on its third floor and showcases CMU's commitment to excellence in performing arts education. With panoramic views of the Grand Valley, the studio offers an inspiring environment for artistic expression and growth.
The decision to honor Ann J. Sanders by naming the studio was made by the CMU Board of Trustees on April 5, 2024, in recognition of her enduring impact on the university community and the dance community at large.
Department Head Mo LaMee expressed his excitement about the dedication, stating, "Ann put CMU's dance program on the map! Our beautiful dance studio would not exist nor our baccalaureate dance program. Former students and colleagues recognize her for her curiosity, passion, and love of dance, which extended to her love of all the arts. She's a treasure to Colorado Mesa University."
In celebration of the naming, a reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on May 14 at 5pm in the studio, with Ann Sanders and her family in attendance.
Additionally, in honor of Sanders' legacy and commitment to fostering local talent, CMU is establishing an endowed scholarship for aspiring dancers from the Grand Valley region. Those interested in contributing to this initiative can visit engage.supportingcmu.org/Ann-Sanders-Shopbell to make a donation.