Jackie Dzuba

 A big thanks and congratulations to Jackie Dzuba for the event last night at the Artesian where our department presented her with the biannual distinguished alumni award. Mark Wihak conducted a lengthy interview, interspersed with clips of her career highlights, to an enthusiastic crowd of about 70 friends, colleagues, and students. Jackie spoke in a refreshingly positive way about the people she has worked with and the projects she feels she has been fortunate enough to work on. Her modesty, respect, and introspection were not a surprise to me, having known her for many years, but did strike me as unique for any person working as she does in a field of filmmaking which more often than not, receives little acclaim for achievement (other than the Gemini award of course).  One highlight for me was the discussion of Larry Bauman with whom she credits highly as an influence. Larry taught in our department when I was a student and was an amazing positive and creative force.