Boise State Connections
What first drew me to the Morrison Center was the building itself. Back in high school, during a campus tour of Boise State, we didn’t get to explore the Morrison Center, which stuck with me.
I remember thinking how impressive it looked from the outside and telling myself that once I became a student, I’d find a way to see inside. When I came across the internship opportunity to work with Special Events, I jumped at the chance—even though I wasn’t sure I was the right fit.
My perception of the Morrison Center has changed completely. What started as curiosity about a building turned into something so much more meaningful. It became a place where I learned, grew, and gained real experience. Interning wasn’t just a job—it was a space that felt like a getaway where I could focus on discovering more about myself. I figured out what I enjoy, am good at, and am capable of. That journey helped me grow personally in ways I never expected. While working on the Neighborhood Concert Series, I picked up many valuable skills that will benefit me in my career. I learned how to send professional emails, update my resume, schedule bands and meetings, take effective notes, and navigate tools like Google Sheets, Docs, and Forms. I also learned how to manage challenging personalities and adapt to different work styles—lessons that will stick with me.
Being part of a team at a performing arts center also helped shape how I approach communication and leadership. I realized everyone has their style, and learning to work with and respect those differences made me a stronger team member. Clear communication, flexibility, and openness were essential, and I became more understanding and confident in leading and supporting others.
The Morrison Center helped me grow in school, relationships, and personal confidence outside of work. I started stepping outside my comfort zone, speaking up more, and applying for opportunities I might have shied away from. It helped me come out of my shell and start thinking seriously about what I want to do in the future.
My time at the Morrison Center has truly been transformative—it’s where I started to believe in myself.
Aisha has been an incredible asset to the Morrison Center team. Her work on the 2025 Neighborhood Concert Series has been nothing short of outstanding. She’s handled every detail with professionalism and heart, from booking local bands and coordinating with parks departments to navigating permits and logistics. Her dedication, creativity, and calm under pressure have impacted the success of this community-driven program.
Jessica Morse, Associate Director of Patron Services & Programming
BOISE STATE STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
The Morrison Center’s Student Employment program was created to provide Boise State University students the opportunity to learn alongside industry professionals and gain valuable experience that serves as a unique complement to university curriculum. This year, 14 students were employed across five departments: ticketing, education, marketing, patron services, and production. Each opportunity prioritizes resume-building skills by engaging students through clear expectations, continual coaching, and creating accountability. Whether it was fostering patron relations, supporting community initiatives, or multitasking backstage, students left the Morrison Center as confident and adaptable working professionals.
ARTS PASSPORT PROGRAM
The Arts Passport introduces Boise State students to the rich and diverse world of arts and culture, creating opportunities to explore arts offerings on campus and beyond. Through this program, we provided 44 free tickets to select events for Arts Passport students. We also sold 1,264 student rush tickets to our Broadway season.
SPOTLIGHT ON MUSIC AND THEATRE FACULTY
During this year’s Patty Duke Awards, Boise State Professors Dr. Christina Mancheni and Dr. Jeffrey Seppala played pivotal roles in guiding and mentoring the next generation of performers. Their leadership and enthusiasm created a nurturing environment where high school students could develop their talents, gain confidence, and foster a deep appreciation for the arts. The following reflections from Dr. Mancheni and Dr. Seppala highlight the profound and lasting impact their involvement had on both the participants and the greater arts community.
