ATHENS, Ohio -- Independent film producer Lisa Bruce will join College of Fine Arts students and faculty as they celebrate the arts during the fourth annual College of Fine Arts Convocation, 10 to 11:30 am, Friday, Oct. 4 in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. The convocation is open to the public.

Bruce's keynote address, "Focus the Fire," will discuss her life in the arts. She has produced more than seven feature films including, "Tumbleweeds," "The Perfect You," "No Way Home" and the soon-to-be released "The Emperor's Club" starring Kevin Kline. Bruce also is a principal of Orenda Films, an independent feature film production company in New York City and founding partner of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, a non-profit educational center in Northern California, founded by artists, educators, biologists and activists.

"Lisa Bruce has made an enormous contribution to the arts through film," said Raymond Tymas-Jones, dean of the College of Fine Arts. "As a past visiting artist in the School of Film, her work is recognized by faculty and students for its breadth of knowledge and her understanding of storytelling."

The College of Fine Arts Convocation also will feature student performances and a screening of two film works in progress. Student speakers include Isabel Graziani, PhD candidate, School of Interdisciplinary Arts, on "Ambiguity in Transition." Molly Pacenta and Edward B. Smith, BFA candidates, School of Theater will give the benediction. The School of Music Jazz Ensemble will provide music.

Two Outstanding Teacher Awards will be announced at the Convocation. In addition, distinguished alumni will be recognized from each school. The Distinguished Alumni awards will be given to:

• Art: Kevin Jerome Everson, MFA '90, uses photography and film to explore African American culture.
• Dance: Nancy Allison, BFA '76, a choreographer and dancer who is the performer of the work of Jean Erdamn. She also edited the most recent Dance Encyclopedia.
• Film: Rocco Hindman, BFA '94, is a talent agent in Los Angeles, CA.
• Interdisciplinary Arts: Silvio Gaggi, PhD Œ72, is professor of humanities at the University of South Florida.
• Music: Marcia Herman, MFA '62, founder of the music program at Ohio University-Zanesville (OU-Z), violist and emeriti professor of music (OU-Z).
• Theater: Chuck Cooper, BFA '76, is a Tony Award-winning actor.