We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jen Darbellay (MFA in Design & Production, 2008), who died after being struck by an SUV during the tragic events of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival on Saturday, April 26. Jen was an award-winning Costume Designer, gifted Visual Artist, and a beloved member of the theatre community.
Jen joined the Department of Theatre and Film in 2006 as an MFA student in the Design and Production program. During her time with us, she received both the Cordula & Gunter Paetzold Fellowship and the William Rea Fellowship in Television. Her MFA thesis, supervised by Professors Alison Green and Richard Price, culminated in a powerful costume installation titled When I’m in it…. The written component and photographs can be viewed here.
Department alumni, faculty, and staff remember Jen for her tremendous creativity and skill. As Department Head Kirsty Johnston reflects: “Jen was a beautiful person through and through; her remarkable talent, curiosity, and generous spirit lifted every class and project she joined.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jen’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her. A Go Fund Me fundraiser has been created to support her husband and their two children. Click here to donate.
