Jong Sang Rheu, a senior majoring in Musical Theatre from Busan, South Korea, has been named Student of the Month for October by the Office of Residence Life. Mr. Rheu was nominated by Department of Theatre and Dance faculty members Dr. Jessica Hillman-McCord and Professor Paul W. Mockovak.
Rheu, who has a 3.19 GPA, is a member of various organizations on campus that include the Diversity Committee in TADA (Department of Theatre and Dance), Alpha Psi Omega and the Performing Arts Company.
According to Professor Mockovak, his advisor, “Jong has [always] been an active, positive role model for excellence as a student, artist and human being. His academic work is specific and detailed; he is open, articulate and passionate about art and life and leads through example. He is very well-respected by his peers and faculty.
“Jong extends himself a great deal in many areas yet gets his work done with consistency and clarity. I find him to be deeply human and a great embodiment of the spirit of Fredonia,” Mockovak said.
When asked about his favorite things about Fredonia, Rheu said, “My favorite things about Fredonia are definitely the faculty, as well as the opportunities they offer. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the love and support from my professors. They are honest, caring and have so much to give.
I was able to get a Broadway audition, which I am still doing callbacks for, thanks to the connections I was able to make through them! They truly are amazing and they’re the reason why I stayed in Fredonia over other conservatory programs.”
Rheu’s long-term goal is to either get a Ph.D. or a master’s degree in Performance so he can teach. As much as he loves to perform, Rheu loves to teach even more.
The Student of the Month program was implemented in 2003 to recognize students who are well-rounded, excel in their academics and contribute positively to the campus and community.
