Left to right: Audie Hutson, who accepted the honor for her late husband, John C. Hutson; Elizabeth (Betty) Hipp; and Elizabeth Johnson Harriss, who accepted the honor for Irene Sharninghouse who was unable to attend the ceremony.

The Curtain Raisers Advisory Board inducted three honorees into The University of Findlay’s Performing Arts Wall of Fame on Saturday, April 12.

The wall of fame honors former students, faculty and community members who have given unselfishly of their time and energy to the advancement of the performing arts at The University of Findlay.

Inductees included John C. Hutson (in memoriam), Irene Sharninghouse and Elizabeth (Betty) Hipp.

Hutson transferred to Findlay College and graduated in 1948 with a bachelor of science. In 1965, Hutson became director of alumni affairs for Findlay College, and he remained in that position until 1984, when he was named assistant to the president. He retired in 1991 but continued serving The University of Findlay in a variety of ways and was honored with a distinguished alumni award and was named director emeritus of alumni and parent relations.

He and his wife, Audrice (Audie), regularly attended UF concerts and theater performances. Hutson also worked with the Findlay Civic Band and was involved with the Findlay-Area Community Chorus. Audie accepted the honor on behalf of her late husband.

Sharninghouse was hired at Findlay College in 1958 to be an instructor of English, speech and theatre. She retired from teaching in the spring of 1976. With her arrival on the Findlay College campus in the fall of 1958, she immediately began the process of bringing the honorary dramatic fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega, to campus. And on May 1, 1959, the Nu Nu chapter of Alpha Psi Omega was officially granted its charter at Findlay College. Almost 50 years later, the same chapter of Alpha Psi Omega is still a thriving theatrical organization.

Within her first few years at Findlay College, Sharninghouse and the music faculty were part of the team that designed and equipped the current Frank J. Egner Center for Performing Arts.

During her 17 years at Findlay College, Sharninghouse produced, designed, staged and “teched” many plays. Sharninghouse also brought professional guest actors to campus for workshops and master classes. She lives in southern California and was unable to attend the ceremony. Her award was accepted by a former student, Elizabeth Johnson Harriss ’69, who announced an endowed scholarship in Sharninghouse’s honor. The scholarship is intended to assist students in the College of Liberal Arts, with preference given to theatre majors.

Hipp moved to Findlay in 1990 with her husband, Herb. During Hipp’s decade-long tenure on the Curtain Raisers Advisory Board (1991-2001), the organization went from only supporting SummerStock, to adding the academic theatre program, and finally adding the vocal music program.

It was during her years as president (1998-2000) that the Curtain Raisers truly began to play a pivotal role in supporting all the performing arts at The University of Findlay. In addition to serving on the Curtain Raisers Advisory Board, Hipp has also appeared on the UF stage.