Graduate Spotlight – Paula Manni

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Paula Manni graduated in the spring of 2020 with a master’s degree in Arts and Cultural Management with a focus in arts management. She currently works as the Arts Programming Coordinator at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Paula applauds the hands-on teaching philosophy of the program and respects the expertise of faculty who truly live what they teach as arts leaders in their fields. The program offers real-world experience that integrates classroom skills with community involvement to create interconnectedness. Paula and her classmates had the opportunity to work with third graders at a local elementary school as part of their Arts Education and Outreach course, ACM 464 with Dionne O’Dell. Paula cherished this experience and said, “arts integration with these kiddos was magical—they are so open to discovery!” 

To those who may be hesitant to apply to grad school after a handful of gap years, Paula reassures: “the time you’ve spent away from school is so valuable and has prepared you well for this next step.” 

In her spare time, Paula enjoys making art, gardening, and discovering hidden gem small towns around the Midwest!