Michael and Anne-Charlotte Harvey scholarship, endowed by director of A.L. Clinton Foundations, assists theatre students studying abroad

For many students who honed their creative craft in the Theatre Department at San Diego State University, their professors have not only been experts and mentors, but kindred spirits and often friends.

One former student who felt deeply impacted by Theatre Professors Dr. Michael Harvey and Dr. Anne-Charlotte Harvey wanted to contribute toward a scholarship they started at SDSU to support future theatre students. 

“(The Harveys) are extraordinarily nice people and I can confidently say that when I was in that drama department, we loved our professors, and we still do,” the anonymous donor said. “…They were just always there for the students and that was the whole attitude in the drama department.”

Michael and Anne-Charlotte Harvey were long-time faculty members in the School of Theatre, Television, and Film at SDSU and have been loved by many throughout the years because of their kindness and warmth.

Michael Harvey began teaching at SDSU in 1969, initially working as an assistant professor in the Theatre Department.

Anne-Charlotte Harvey was hired as a temporary substitute in 1970, and after 14 years of teaching a variety of courses in the department, she was hired as an associate professor.

They both ended their careers as professors, Michael retiring in 2003 and Anne-Charlotte retiring in 2006. During their careers, they were both involved in theatre outside of SDSU as well, and even after retirement, the two have remained active in the regional theatre community.

When the donor discovered the Harveys were starting a scholarship, he felt compelled to contribute because of the lasting positive impact they had had on him.

“They're both pretty inspirational individuals,” the donor said. He was determined that the scholarship became permanent to continue the Harveys’ legacy.

Acting students at SDSU are required to study abroad. This scholarship offers vital financial assistance to cover some of the costs that accompany this experience.

“Mike and I were always cheering for students having the curiosity and guts to explore theatre abroad, theatre as a bridge, and theatre as a humanizing endeavor,” Anne-Charlotte said.

“I definitely could see the benefit to theatre students of being exposed to different cultures,” she continued. “(Mike and I) both wholeheartedly supported international study and exposure.”

Anne-Charlotte said the scholarship will provide encouragement to students, along with “a little prestige, greater visibility, more international savvy, network connections, a sense of belonging to the world and awareness of traditions other than the U.S. commercial, realism-centered theatre.”

Once a Swedish international student studying in the U.S. herself, Anne-Charlotte felt compelled to help students access the life-changing opportunities and new experiences that study abroad offers.

“Our scholarship would legitimize the effort, encourage the student, help a little bit with the actual expense, but be a visible sign of achievement that could make a difference,” she said.

Anne-Charlotte and Michael have undoubtedly left a lasting positive impact on the Theatre Department, but the department has left a lasting impact on them as well.

“We have lots of memories, lore, a shared vocabulary of values, a complementary knowledge of theatre history and theory plus all the things our students taught us,” Anne-Charlotte said. “We have relationships, lasting connections. (We) know some people now working in local theatre–they were once our students.”

One thing she always appreciated about teaching was that the students in her theatre classes always wanted to be there, genuinely fueled by their passion for the art.

There was never a dull moment in their teaching careers, Anne-Charlotte said.

Those who want to contribute to the Harvey’s scholarship can do so here.

Students can learn more about how to apply for the scholarship on Aztec Scholarships.