After the loss of communication instructor Lora DeFore last fall, a scholarship was created to honor DeFore, who worked at Mississippi State University for 19 years. To help raise funds, the Department of Communication and Starkville Community Theatre will host the musical revue “Sorta Love Songs” March 19-20.
DeFore, an avid theatre enthusiast, taught over seven communication courses. She served as coordinator for both the public relations concentration and the internship program.
Pattye Archer, a close friend of DeFore’s and one of fundraiser’s directors, said both groups hope the fundraiser will help provide the means to get the scholarship endowed.
“A scholarship fund must reach $25,000 to become endowed, and once endowed, it will always be there,” she said.
Archer said the music, written by Scott Burkell and Paul Loesel, elaborates on life and love experiences.
Burkell, a friend of DeFore, heard about the scholarship efforts and, together with Loesel, decided to offer the show royalty-free to help raise money. The pair’s works have been performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and multiple Broadway actors have performed their music.
Additionally, the show’s performers and accompanist have donated their time and talents free of charge, Archer said.
Sophomore biochemistry major Blake Garrett, one of the performers, said the show includes a lot of humor and explains various expressions of love.
“The name [of the show] really explains the meaning of the show,” he said. “It’s a very relatable show . it’s all about the different facets of love and there’s going to be something for you in this show.”
Archer said it will be an entertaining evening serving a good cause.
“I think this is just a way to allow future students who didn’t have her in the classroom to be impacted by her and by what she did,” she said.
Communication department head John Forde said the department wants the scholarship to assist as many students as possible.
“[Lora] was very involved in the department with internships, public relations and journalism,” he said. “She had such an impact on so many kinds of students &mdash we want the scholarship to impact many students.”
The show will occur two nights at 7:30 at the McComas Hall Theater. The minimum ticket donation is $15, and all proceeds will go toward the Lora J. DeFore Scholarship Fund.
To donate to the scholarship fund, mail checks to: Department of Communication, P.O. Box PF, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Make checks out to MSU Foundation/ Department of Communication with “Lora DeFore Scholarship Fund” in the memo line.