Some connections to Western Texas College never fade. They grow stronger with time and purpose. For Dr. Vena Beth Genuchi Alesio, Western Texas College (WTC) recalls more than just a place; it’s part of her family’s story.
As part of that continuing story, the Western Texas College Foundation will welcome Dr. Alesio to the Fine Arts Theater at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, for a recital of American music. The performance honors her parents, Dr. Marvin C. Genuchi and Kathleen Genuchi. Marc Sanders, Staff Accompanist at Abilene Christian University, will accompany her on the piano. The event is free of charge. The Foundation invites the community to attend.
“We’re excited to have such a distinguished alumna share her gift of music with us,” said Lora Poe, WTC Foundation Director.
Dr. Alesio grew up watching WTC take shape. Her parents stood among the original faculty and staff who helped build the college from the ground up. Dr. Robert L. Clinton, WTC’s first president, hired them both in 1971.
Musical selections for the recital include works by Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Stephen Sondheim, Lerner & Lowe, and Selected Music of American Poets, arranged by Ned Rorem.
A 1972 graduate of Snyder High School, she earned her Bachelor of Music and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. Alesio also holds a Master’s of Music from the University of Nebraska. She served as the Chair for the Fine Arts Division and Department of Music at Southeast Community College-Beatrice from 1987 to 2000. Alesio also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Association of Women in Community Colleges. During her time as a member, she gave several presentations on community college leadership and the history of women in music. After leaving academia in 2000, she established Alesio & Associates, a human resources executive leadership consulting firm that focused on leadership talent, team building, and organizational development.
Throughout her career in education, she continued to perform vocal and piano recitals. The recital on May 17 will be her second one at WTC. Her first one was at WTC in 1973.
For more information about the recital, contact Lora Poe, WTC Foundation Director, at 325-574-7943.