1990s

Gen. Colin Powell
1996 Front & Center Keynote Speaker
It was the night of the very first Front & Center event at the then-Arrowhead Pond. Leader and statesman Gen Colin Powell was keynote speaker. Former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State, Powell is arguably one of the most revered and admired men in America today. He was introduced to the audience by the talented young students from the award-winning Theatre and Dance departments, performing tailor-made songs and dances written about Powell to a black-tie audience. “You could sense the pride in the crowd,” recalled Patricia Boggs, senior development director.  “It was a prideful moment. He was an awesome speaker and that added a level of prominence to the university.” Gen. Powell himself seemed impressed with the evening’s show, Boggs remembered. “He called the next day and wondered if we had a videotape of the songs that introduced him, because he’d been trying to sing them.”

News Anchor Walter Cronkite
1998, 2001 Front & Center Performer
Walter Cronkite, the former CBS Evening News anchorman whose commentary defined issues and events in America for nearly two decades, was once named “the most trusted figure in American life.” Cronkite, who views himself as a working journalist, visited campus and performed at Front & Center twice. “Walter Cronkite’s last visit was very memorable for me,” said Tony Fellow, chair and professor of communications. “He is one of my heroes – second to Edward R. Murrow – in the news business. It was a Friday afternoon and I was surprised to see the large Titan auditorium fill to capacity. I was even more delighted to see the number of students who got up and asked questions – and they were thoughtful, provocative and intelligent questions.”