The Sirus Theatre – 45 Years in the Making! Written by: Tony Quattrochi, Development Staff Member Forty-five years ago, Bruce Sirus, Class of 1969, graduated from St. Joseph High School. Little did he know that he would return years later to be one of the school’s most generous and consistent benefactors. A member of the St. Joseph Board of Directors, a chair of committees in years past, including Chargerfest (now ChargerFeast), and a contributor of time, talent and many other resources, this Charger personifies the phrase “giving back.” In an effort to express its appreciation, St. Joseph honored Bruce by renaming its auditorium, The Sirus Theatre. Primarily through Bruce’s efforts, the theatre had undergone much renovation during the last two years, with the addition of new lighting, new sound equipment, including a systems board that rivals any professional theatre in the area. The June 18 th gala that “set the stage” for surprising Bruce with this tribute, A Night to Inspire witnessed several accolades to this alum, who worked on many plays while as a student at St. Joe’s. Gene Pingatore, who has been at the school since it opened in 1960, recalled young Sirus. “He was a quiet young man who worked behind the scenes in this very theatre, developing the scenery and other production elements for a St. Joseph play and where he also developed his passion for the production world.” Gene also recalled how Bruce took his love for the arts and theatre to St. Mary’s University (then St. Mary’s College) in Winona, Minnesota, another Christian Brothers school, and later making productions his vocation. Along with his business partner, Bruce started his first production company, Brulen Enterprises, which would be later known as Production Plus. “Over the years, Bruce has paved the way for so many young men and women here. He’s been an incredible champion of our mission; a passionate alum who is generous with both his time and his treasures.” David McCreery, St. Joseph President, reflected the same sentiment. “Occasionally in life, a school such as ours is blessed to have someone in their family who makes you better. In very rare instances, an organization such as this one intersects with a person who leaves an indelible imprint of goodwill. Bruce Sirus is such a person at St. Joseph.” Bruce’s daughter Lauren, IHM Class of 1998, shared several anecdotes about her father’s love for the theatre, especially musicals, and especially The Man of La Mancha, featuring Bruce’s favorite song, The Impossible Dream. Lauren spoke on how her father challenged and supported her to love life and succeed in her efforts. “My father has always believed in living a life built on excellence. He instilled in me that mediocrity is not an option. He always emphasized to me the importance of chasing dreams of unique merit. That is why he is above and beyond a fitting choice to be honored for his service to the St. Joseph Charger community. He believes in motivating anyone in his atmosphere to choose to dream the impossible dream. ” The audience responded with laughter and tears before Bruce took the stage to admit his surprise and extend his appreciation to all who have supported him and St. Joseph High School. E-News July 2014 Connect with St. Joseph H.S. Upcoming Events Golf Outing Friday, July 25 RSVP TODAY! The 38 th Annual St. Joseph & IHM Alumni & Friends Golf Outing is almost here! For more information, contact Gene Pingatore at [email protected]or click here . 2014 Soccer Alumni Game September 13 Save the Date! The 8 th Annual St. Joseph Soccer Alumni Game! For more information, click here to view the event flier or visit the St. Joseph and IHM Alumni page. EVENT News & Upcoming EVENTS
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Transcript
The Sirus Theatre – 45 Years in
the Making!
Written by: Tony Quattrochi,
Development Staff Member
Forty-five years ago, Bruce Sirus, Class
of 1969, graduated from St. Joseph High
School. Little did he know that he would
return years later to be one of the school’s most generous and consistent benefactors. A member
of the St. Joseph Board of Directors, a chair of committees in years past, including Chargerfest
(now ChargerFeast), and a contributor of time, talent and many other resources, this Charger
personifies the phrase “giving back.” In an effort to express its appreciation, St. Joseph honored
Bruce by renaming its auditorium, The Sirus Theatre. Primarily through Bruce’s efforts, the
theatre had undergone much renovation during the last two years, with the addition of new
lighting, new sound equipment, including a systems board that rivals any professional theatre in
the area.
The June 18th
gala that “set the stage” for surprising Bruce with this tribute, A Night to Inspire
witnessed several accolades to this alum, who worked on many plays while as a student at St.
Joe’s. Gene Pingatore, who has been at the school since it opened in 1960, recalled young Sirus.
“He was a quiet young man who worked behind the scenes in this very theatre, developing the
scenery and other production elements for a St. Joseph play and where he also developed his
passion for the production world.” Gene also recalled how Bruce took his love for the arts and
theatre to St. Mary’s University (then St. Mary’s College) in Winona, Minnesota, another
Christian Brothers school, and later making productions his vocation. Along with his business
partner, Bruce started his first production company, Brulen Enterprises, which would be later
known as Production Plus. “Over the years, Bruce has paved the way for so many young men and
women here. He’s been an incredible champion of our mission; a passionate alum who is
generous with both his time and his treasures.” David McCreery, St. Joseph President, reflected
the same sentiment. “Occasionally in life, a school such as ours is blessed to have someone in
their family who makes you better. In very rare instances, an organization such as this one
intersects with a person who leaves an indelible imprint of goodwill. Bruce Sirus is such a person
at St. Joseph.”
Bruce’s daughter Lauren, IHM Class of 1998, shared several anecdotes about her father’s love for
the theatre, especially musicals, and especially The Man of La Mancha, featuring Bruce’s favorite
song, The Impossible Dream. Lauren spoke on how her father challenged and supported her to
love life and succeed in her efforts. “My father has always believed in living a life built on
excellence. He instilled in me that mediocrity is not an option. He always emphasized to me the
importance of chasing dreams of unique merit. That is why he is above and beyond a fitting
choice to be honored for his service to the St. Joseph Charger community. He believes in
motivating anyone in his atmosphere to choose to dream the impossible dream. ” The audience
responded with laughter and tears before Bruce took the stage to admit his surprise and extend his
appreciation to all who have supported him and St. Joseph High School.