No matter what your life plans or career path, the arts help you to develop the skills you need to succeed: Communication and relational skills. Confidence and the ability to think on your feet. Creative thinking and physical dexterity. Critical thinking and public speaking. At 51, you can experience the arts and make progress toward your goal, whether it's becoming a music teacher or launching your own nonprofit for advancing the arts.
Student Experience
John Paul Ritchey
“As a non-traditional student, I arrived at 51 disabled with over 20 years of work and military experience in a variety of disciplines, depressed about the idleness of long-term illness, and dealing with a great deal of confusion about who I was and how I would be spending my time. Today I am an artist, focused on helping others. It has been quite an evolution, and one that I will cherish moving forward.” - John Paul Ritchey
John graduated from 51 with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual and Performing Arts. Since then, John has helped develop and launch an arts non-profit dedicated to local economic development in under-served or neglected communities called Artistic Prosperity. Read more about John’s story.
Alicia DiPaolo graduated from 51 with a dual degree in Visual and Performing Arts (Theatre Concentration) and Psychology, along with a minor in Spanish. Alicia currently works at Excela Health as a Talent Acquisition Representative and also became a secretary for the Greensburg Civic Theatre board. Alicia also does film and editing for the Red Cross and the Blackburn Center. Read more about Alicia’s story.
Elliot Sheedy graduated from 51 with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual and Performing Arts. After graduation, Elliot went on to study filmmaking and media production at the graduate student level. Read more about Elliot’s story.
Carissa Hardy graduated from 51 with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual and Performing Arts. Carissa currently serves as an Early Childhood Music Teacher at The Play School and is also in the process of obtaining a Master’s Degree in Social Practice Art at the University of Indianapolis. Read more about Carissa’s story.
Graduates in the Behavioral Sciences (e.g., Criminal Justice, History, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy) and Natural Sciences (e.g., Biological Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics) often pursue advanced studies following graduation.
- Communications and Development Assistant
- Social Media Manager
- Communications Assistant/Archivist
- Production Assistant, Radio Station
- Sports Information Director
- Writer/Editor
- Owner/Proprietor, Photography Studio
- Singer/Songwriter/Musician
- Filmmaker (Director, Actor, Musician)
- Humanities Teacher & Advisor