Andy Hunsberger
'05 History and Education, student assistant at Hancher Auditorium

Hometown: Elgin, Iowa

Not many think of a performing arts center as having "alumni." But for the UI graduates who serve as ushers, backstage hands, cafe‚ workers, and box office cashiers, their time at Hancher Auditorium is a central -- and often life-changing -- part of their UI student experience.

Private support from contributors helps fund some Hancher student positions and create invaluable learning opportunities for UI students each year.

Andy Hunsberger, who worked at Hancher for nearly five years before graduating in December 2005, agrees that the experience has been invaluable.

"I've loved working at Hancher more than I can put into words," says Andy. "I've gotten to see so many incredible performances, which have provided an amazing arts education.

"I've also built close relationships with other staff members -- people with a broad range of backgrounds and interests that I probably wouldn't have met otherwise. The experience has really enriched my UI education."

Andy served as an usher for the first three years of his Hancher career and was promoted to house manager during the 2004-2005 season. In this role, he oversaw the student usher staff -- helping with hiring, training, and supervising ushers, problem-solving during performances, and a variety of other high-responsibility tasks.

Andy, who plans to become a high school history teacher, is grateful to Hancher and its supporters for helping to make this learning opportunity possible.

"Working at Hancher really helped me mature and figure out my identity during my college years. I feel more well rounded, more cultured, and more confident as a result of the experience."

Read other student and beneficiary profiles or an article about Hancher's student workforce from Parent Times Online.