WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS DIRECTOR TO RETIRE AT END OF CALENDAR YEAR
Frederick, Md. --- Michael Stup, manager of the Weinberg Center for the Arts Inc., is retiring at the end of the calendar year, which is coincidentally the end of his contract with the City of Frederick. Stup returned to the WCA as manager 18 months ago.
Mayor Jennifer Dougherty was responsible for bringing Stup back to the WCA in hopes that he would be the person to assist the WCA in moving forward and defining its role and purpose in our community. She stated, “I am grateful to Michael for returning as manager of the Weinberg Center and serving the City and our performing arts community so well. Michael's return showed his true commitment to the theater and its future. With his help, we focused energy on the priorities -- great shows that suit our audiences and the size of the theater, a focused Board of Directors and financial stability.”
When Stup returned to the WCA he had three goals. To date the first two goals have been accomplished, the third and final goal can only be achieved when he retires. “When I came three goals and I have accomplished two. One was to restore civility to center which equals stability and that has been accomplished. The second was to reestablish in house fundraising events by staff, not just laying the fundraising focus on the board alone, but realizing that everybody has to fundraise in the non-profit world,” stated Stup.
Dougherty added, “The theater has a future because we focused on the basics. The WCA now has a Board of Directors that is focused on the future and their role. The theater has a future because it can pay the bills. Those things only happen with effort and commitment.” It was through 18 months of work with Chief Operating Officer of Citizen Services Vincent Hughes and Stup that Dougherty says she was confidant the goals could be met, “We can have both great entertainment and live within a budget. Some people said it could not be done, but with Michael's help, it has been done!”
As for Stup’s future and final goal he stated, “My third goal is and has always been to return to the center through volunteer services in the future in some capacity. That is the goal yet to be fulfilled and decided.”
Peter Michael, WCA Board of Directors chairman praised Stup’s dedication and commented on the WCA’s future, “The Weinberg corporation congratulates Michael Stup, Manager of the Weinberg Center for the Arts, on his forthcoming retirement, and thanks him for his excellent performance stepping in to turn the theater around during the past 18 months. Much of the credit for ridding the theater of its past problems goes to Mr. Stup. Mr. Stup has expressed his desire to remain involved with the Weinberg in retirement, and the Weinberg corporation most looks forward to his doing so.” He added, “This transition at the helm of the theater is proceeding smoothly as it should with the City’s current wide recruitment of candidates.”
Stup has dedicated a total of 15 years of service to the Weinberg Center for the Arts. He is the only employee who has worked at the WCA under every Mayor since it’s opening in 1978. December 31, 2005 will be Stup's last day as manager. The City of Frederick thanks him for his years of dedication, vision and service and looks forward to his volunteer services for years to come.