2010-2011 Donor Honor Roll

Abel Zeballos

He artfully combined a memorial and a scholarship endowment.

Born in Bolivia, Abel Zeballos ’72, ’79 wanted to honor the memory of his late partner and provide funds for a scholarship. A professor who teaches classes in technical theatre and design in the College of the Arts, Abel was an international student in the early ’70s. Initially, he majored in electrical engineering and then switched to theatre arts when he recognized his passion for theatrical design.

After earning his B.A. and M.A degrees in theatre arts, Abel taught at UCLA, Cal State L.A. and other colleges, as well as freelancing in makeup, hair and costume design in Los Angeles and Orange County theaters. He was the makeup director for the famous Halloween Haunt, an annual event at Knott’s Berry Farm, for more than 20 years. Abel began his full-time teaching career at Cal State Fullerton in the late ’80s and has been a teacher and a mentor ever since. “I am very fortunate,” he said. “I love my job.”

Abel chose to support Cal State Fullerton because of his deep connection with the university. “My experience in college was rich and rewarding,” he said. “I wanted to give back.”

Abel chose to support students and honor the memory of his longtime partner, Don Kennedy, by establishing the Kennedy-Zeballos Endowed Scholarship. “It honors students studying technical theatre and design,” he said.

“These professionals are as important as the actors, producers and directors, but they get very little recognition.” Abel hopes that his gift will inspire others. “It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “Don would approve of it.”

For information about giving to the College of the Arts, please contact Milly Heaton at 657-278-7695 or mheaton@fullerton.edu.