“There is only one river. There is only one sea. And it flows through you, and it flows through me. There is only one people. We are one and the same. We are all one spirit. We are all one name. We are the father, mother, daughter and son. From the dawn of creation, we are one. We are one,” said University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Arts and Sciences Dean Ron Yasbin, quoting lyrics from the Peter, Paul and Mary song “River of Jordan” at a convocation for the new School of Fine and Performing Arts. The College of Fine Arts and Communication was dissolved Jan. 1, and the school was created under the umbrella of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We are one, we are the College of Arts and Sciences, and welcome to all of you!”

The Feb. 19 event in the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center celebrated all that is the new School of Fine and Performing Arts. It began with a lobby exhibition featuring artwork by students and faculty in the Department of Art and Art History. Assistant Professor Zachary Cairns and members of the UMSL Percussion Ensemble performed “Rhythmic Ceremonial Ritual” (pictured above), UMSL Poet Laureate Victoria Walls recited a poem, Assistant Professor Jacqueline Thompson directed members of the UMSL Players in a piece called “What Theatre Means to Me” and Professor James Richard conducted the UMSL Student, Faculty and Alumni Ensemble in performing an original piece, “Together in Harmony,” composed by Curators’ Professor of Music Barbara Harbach. (Photo by August Jennewein)