Hunden Partners Awards Scholarships To Aspiring Musical Theatre Artists At Ball State

Hunden Partners, a Chicago-based real estate development advisory firm, has announced the latest recipients of the Robin Scott Hunden Musical Theatre Scholarship at Ball State University. This scholarship program is designed to provide financial support based on need to students majoring in Musical Theatre, aiming to enhance diversity within musical theatre programs and assist undergraduates in pursuing artistic careers. This year's awardees include Parker Bowman from Fort Wayne, IN; Jaylen Bryant from University Park, IL; Rylee Droege from St. Louis, MO; Madison Jackson from Granger, IN; Mitchell Takeda from Sacramento, CA; and Lucia Vazquez from Homestead, FL.

Rob Hunden, CEO and Founder of Hunden Partners and the scholarship's founder, expressed his continued passion for the performing arts and his belief in their power to foster community and belonging. "The arts can be a catalyst for placemaking, community-building, and belonging. I’m delighted to help provide opportunities for college students to pursue their artistic careers," Hunden stated. To date, Hunden has contributed over $20,000 to support students at Ball State. The scholarship was initiated in 2015, with the first awards given in the 2017-2018 academic year.

The scholarship program is structured to support students across different academic levels within the Musical Theatre program, ensuring that at least one sophomore, junior, and senior receive financial aid each year. Notably, both Jaylen Bryan and Mitchell Takeda are receiving the scholarship for the second time. Additionally, Hunden has extended support beyond the scholarship by covering other costs related to musical theatre careers for students, including travel expenses for auditions in New York.

Bill Jenkins, chair of Ball State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, highlighted the importance of such scholarships in recruiting a diverse and talented student body. He acknowledged Rob Hunden's partnership as instrumental in enabling students to pursue their dreams and underscored the vital role of arts in community development.

About Hunden Partners: As a leading advisor in destination real estate development, Hunden Partners offers comprehensive project advisory and execution services. These include market and financial feasibility studies, economic and impact analyses, tourism planning and strategy, and development implementation across various sectors such as sports facilities, mixed-use districts, convention centers, hotels, and entertainment venues. The firm plays a crucial role in guiding projects from concept through funding to execution.

About Ball State University: Established in 1918 in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University stands as a significant educational institution and economic driver within the state. With a student body of 20,000 from across Indiana, the nation, and the globe, Ball State offers a blend of first-rate facilities and personal attention characteristic of its inclusive campus culture. The university's Destination 2040: Our Flight Path sets forth ambitious goals for its centennial vision.