DeWayne Named Director of University Public Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2000
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Daran Marx Finney
University Public Events
530-898-5917
DeWayne Named Director of University Public Events
Dan DeWayne has been named Director of University Public Events/Chico Performances, effective January 1, 2000. DeWayne, who currently serves as associate director, will assume the position upon the retirement of Patrick W. Kopp.
DeWayne has been with University Public Events (UPE) for three years. As associate director, he worked jointly with Kopp to coordinate Chico Performances, the presenting arm of UPE, and to direct the day-to-day activities of the department.
As director, DeWayne will represent University Public Events to the campus community and the community at large. “I am looking forward to directing a department that has been hugely successful. Pat Kopp has worked for 36 years to advance the arts on campus and in our community, and I’m honored to continue in his footsteps,” said DeWayne.
Directing UPE encompasses a broad range of responsibilities. DeWayne will oversee the staff and budget for the department, guide facility reservations and box office operations, and pursue funding, grants, and development. He will book and negotiate with artists and artist residencies and oversee marketing. He is responsible for creating and maintaining a membership program, a community advisory committee, a student advisory committee and a volunteer group.
DeWayne has been involved in performance art and business for 20 years. He came to UPE with a background in event and media coordination, community outreach and financial management. He and his wife, Christine Myers, co-founded Maple Creek Presents. The company presents the California World Music Festival each summer in Grass Valley.
From 1982 to 1991 DeWayne was president and co-founder of the Strawberry Music Festival, one of the most recognized music festivals in the United States. He also created several offshoot businessesÑ Strawberry Records, Strawberry Preserves Nature Store, and the Camp Mather General Store. In addition, he and Christine produced Chico’s own Shakespeare in the Park for five years.
DeWayne sees the presentation of music and theatre as an important cultural and economic force in the community. He has participated on the Chico Arts Task Force and served on the Chamber of Commerce Tourism committee.
In 1998, DeWayne and wife were awarded the Mayor’s Award for Advancement of the Arts, and in October 2000 he was awarded an Annie for Lifetime Achievement in Music.
DeWayne sees his future at UPE as a long-term commitment. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of CSU, Chico and our Northern California Arts community. My intent is to work closely with the wonderful staff of UPE to increase awareness of the important role live performance plays in all of our lives.”
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