Penn State Graduate School alumnus David Will received the Graduate School Alumni Society (GSAS) Humanitarian Award on March 24 at the annual GSAS Recognition Dinner. This award recognizes an alumnus/alumna holding a graduate degree from Penn State who has made a positive societal impact on the welfare of humankind beyond the responsibilities of one’s profession.

Talent, practice, and knowledge are all essential ingredients that have driven the performing arts for centuries. However, it is performing arts technologies that have evolved in unprecedented ways, creating new possibilities for enhancing artistic excellence and thus, societal experience of the arts.

A student of the arts himself, David Will recognized this and began his lifelong commitment to learning and to mentoring others.  In the United States Institute for Theatre Technology — the USITT — he found an organization that comprehended how the application of proper management techniques and principles in the live performance industry affected the experience of both artist and audience member.

Will understood that his professional knowledge could also be passed on to another organization he loves — Pennsylvania Special Olympics — to enhance the experience of the athletes, as well as the friends and families who support them.

After receiving both a bachelor’s degree and an M.F.A. in Theatre from Penn State, Will provided over thirty-five years of distinguished service to the University, including his tenure as the first full-time facilities resources manager in the College of Arts and Architecture.

In the view of one nominator, Will's “impact on his profession can be measured by the achievements of the many lives he has mentored as well as the industry improvements he has fostered.  His personal commitment to service continues, but greater than that is the ripple effect he created by giving his time, energy and expertise to others who now do the same.”

Will’s contributions to the USITT have been innovative and visionary. He helped to create the organization’s modern conference committee model, which features members who contribute their specific interests and expertise over several years of service, regardless of the annual conference’s location. He was also instrumental in transitioning new committee members into their roles on the conference committee and creating a pipeline of volunteer leaders.

Will was twice elected to the USITT Board of Directors, serving as the vice president for conferences during his six years on the Board.

His efforts were also recognized with his selection as the commissioner for the USITT Management Commission, one of ten disciplinary affiliations that offer education and training programs.

One of Will’s nominators was a former colleague at Penn State who later became the 26th President of the USITT. In her letter of support, she wrote that Will “…helped me find my personal path which ultimately led me to become the USITT’s 26th president…Dave never ceased being my mentor, but the most important lesson he taught me was how to be a mentor and role model for others.” 

She concluded by stating that Will’s “unintentional legacy” as a mentor and “tremendous role model” made him the ideal nominee for the award.