Garth Fagan Legacy Award

In 1970, Garth Fagan was invited to join the faculty of SUNY Brockport. He accepted a full-time position and remained until retirement as SUNY Distinguished University Professor in 2002. For over 32 years, Garth established himself as the consummate educator, having inspired students from all academic disciplines. His engaging and inspirational pedagogy and extraordinary scholarship led to the bestowing of the Distinguished University Professor accolade. During his first year, inspired by the raw talent of untrained students he met while teaching in the dance department on the SUNY Brockport campus and the EOC site in Rochester, NY, he founded his dance company, Bottom of the Bucket BUT… Dance Theatre. As the company gained prominence, the name evolved to reflect the international stature of the company and Garth’s groundbreaking technique and choreography. The company, now known as Garth Fagan Dance, has recently passed its half century anriversary.

Known around the world for his groundbreaking choreography of Broadway’s The Lion King, Garth Fagan is widely acknowledged as one of the most dynamic and original artists working in the field today – architect of a distinct new movement style, creator of over 75 works for theatre and the concert stage, inspiring teacher, and the man who brought recognition to Rochester, NY as home for world-class contemporary dance.

The Garth Fagan Legacy award has been established to recognize an exceptional undergraduate or graduate student completing a Brockport degree who exemplifies the spirit, conviction, and altruism of Garth Fagan. The award is intended for individuals who have demonstrated curious investigation, diligent action, innovative thinking, determined practices, a passion for advocacy of the arts, and have the potential to make a lasting impact on the world of dance.

Eligible students must

1. Be currently enrolled as a Dance major, minor, or closely related major at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
2. Graduate in the academic year in which the award is conferred.
3. Demonstrate an extraordinary level of accomplishment and the potential to inspire others while simultaneously fulfilling a passion for personal success in the world of dance, as judged by the selection committee.

This is a cash award for graduating students.