MostArts Festival Business Major Intern

The recipient of The Dr. Bruce Conroe ’53 MostArts Festival Business Major Internship at Alfred University, Vanessa Gazi '26 joins the MostArts Festival in the capacity of Festival Intern.

vanessa gaziVanessa Gazi '26

My name is Vanessa Gazi. I am the new MostArts Festival Intern, and I will be assisting Dr. Lantz with the upcoming 2024 Festival. I was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; however, I grew up in my parents’ birth country, Zimbabwe.

Currently, I am a sophomore at Alfred University, double majoring in Business Administration and Music. I play the clarinet, and I am a member of the University Symphony Orchestra. I enjoy both business and music, and in the future, I aspire to be an entrepreneur and composer.

This year, I will bring my experience in social media, marketing, and management, as well as my love and passion for music, to ensure that MostArts 2024 is a success. I have worked in various fields that have tested both my business and music capabilities, I look forward to integrating my experiences in both fields and being part of the team that makes MostArts’ magic come to light.

bruce conroe at a pianoBruce Conroe '53

Bruce Conroe, one of many members of his family to attend Alfred University, graduated from Alfred University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics. He earned a Master's in Education from Alfred in 1954 and his EdD from SUNY Albany in 1975.

Bruce was employed as a math teacher and guidance counselor before transitioning into higher education at SUNY Potsdam, where he worked as associate dean of students, assistant vice president for academic affairs, and retired as vice provost. Bruce married Barbara Holme Conroe in 1953. Together they raised four children and shared a love of music, travel and the great outdoors. They celebrated 59 years of marriage prior to Barbara’s death in 2013.

Bruce is a talented singer, pianist, and theatrical performer. He has participated in community theater productions and church choirs his entire life, always seeking opportunities to expand his repertoire; in life and in performance. He hopes that this internship will expand students’ experience and opportunities as well as their appreciation for the performing arts.


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Lisa Lantz
Artistic Director
MostArts Festival
1 Saxon Drive
Alfred, NY 14802
607-871-2569
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