Acknowledgements

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Wally first became involved with The Carnegie Players by being a frequent patron of our shows. As time went by, he became a member of our group and eventually established the Paul and Mabel Laird Endowment for The Carnegie Players through the Jasper Foundation. In time Wally became a board member and appeared in his debut performance in, The Pajama Game in 2001. Wally is a hardworking member of The Carnegie Players and his knowledge has helped the organization grow. Because of Wally's and his family's help, the Carnegie Players remains a viable community Theater in Rensselaer. Wally, we thank you and your family for the life-enhancing commitment to allow theatre patrons a chance to escape from the real world for a few hours and for the opportunity for people of all ages to become involved in theatre."

 Tom's unexpected death on July 6 left us in shock, realizing a dedicated performer had been taken from us. Tom had been involved with Carnegie Players productions from the start. Urging his wife, Terri, with her involvement in Bye Bye Birdie, to catching the theatre bug and becoming involved with The Odd Couple. But acting on stage was just a part of Tom's involvement. Building sets, securing props and costumes, encouraging others behind the scenes and always being there is what Tom Morris was about. Anything you asked Tom to do, he would do willingly. Tom's life was a witness to his faith, his love for his wife and family and dedication to the Fine Arts in our community. Thank-you Tom for what you have done, the lives you have touched and your dedication. We will miss you.

Woody and Barbara Slade have worked since its formation to make The Carnegie Players a viable interest in our community.  Their hearts will always remain with us, and we will always remember their most selfless and talented dedication. God bless you, Woody and Barbara.

Wendy was a vital member of The Carnegie Players since its inception. She has been on stage in many productions, served as assistant director, president and vice- President of The Carnegie Players and has served on the Board of Directors for six years. She has been a guiding force in the creation and development of The Carnegie Players, an organization of which our community can be proud. We honor you, Wendy, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The gentleman who served The Carnegie Players as its first President is Gordon Klockow. You could consider Gordon a combination George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. He served as our first President and was instrumental in formulating a constitution that has only been amended once. Gordon served as president of Carnegie Players for two years. Gordon was active on stage as he held roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Annie Get Your Gun, and Carousel. He helped out behind the scenes with The Odd Couple and St. Mary's on the Brink.

Dr. Robert Garrity, Ph.D and semi-retired professor of Philosophy and English at St. Joseph's College. Bob served on The Carnegie Players Board, directed local productions and appeared in several shows. The program noted that Bob was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge in regards to theater and everything that is related. It also said, "Bob, we thank you for your dedication to theater in not only Jasper County, but everywhere you have lived. Gloria, we thank you for sharing Bob's time with us."

Kevin was the principle technician or The Carnegie Players for many years. Running everything from sound equipment to websites.

There was no doubt Ron Jordan was dedicated to The Carnegie Players. He was there day one, and stayed long after his daughters had put their acting days behind them. He bore the load when his dear friends who kept Carnegie running in the past left this earth one by one. He demanded from himself, and everyone around him, always a little more, and always a little better then they thought they could. He passed away while still in the position of Board President, and would leave Carnegie struggling for a bit to fill the many hats he had gathered.

John directed many of The Carnegie Player's productions over the years.