View video tribute (4 minutes, 7M) Arts in Education Nils Riess, Ada Nominated By:The Rotary Club of Ada, Ohio

Nils Riess has been a determined advocate for arts education on the state, national and international level. As an arts educator at Ohio Northern University, he has helped to expand the curriculum to include theatre, musical theatre, dance, public relations, broadcasting and professional communications. With the addition of these new programs, a new facility was needed to house the maturing arts program. Under Riess' guidance, many contemporary features such as workshop spaces, a broadcasting station and display cases to showcase the university's permanent art collection were incorporated into the vision for the facility. In 1991, the Freed Center for the Performing Arts opened with a gala week including Carol Channning and the Toledo Symphony. Riess opened the doors to the community when he initiated a summer theatre program where performers from local and surrounding areas could participate in productions. His focus on the community extends into the classroom as a dozen or more professional guest artists from places such as New York and Chicago annually work with students and student productions. In 2003, Riess and staff members at the university began an annual international play festival to foster awareness of other cultures among students, faculty and the community. As a result of his efforts, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in International Theatre Production was initiated, requiring students to intern abroad. The combination of the festival and the new degree guarantees global exposure and influence for Ohio Northern University. Nils Riess is an exemplary artist and educator who has helped students broaden their cultural perspectives and forge professional working relationships.