Dorothy Runk Mennen

Dorothy Runk Mennen (July 17, 1915 – February 20, 2011) was a pioneer in the creation of a voice curriculum for the university training of theatre actors and professional performers.

She developed the original voice curriculum for their MFA training for actors "from the ground up", where she was also the vocal director for their musicals, serving for over 70 productions.

She also served on the board of the Indiana chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and was a member of the Voice Foundation.

The Dorothy Runk Mennen Scholarship Fund was created at the end of the 2001-2002 Purdue University Theatre season, in order to commemorate and honor the efforts of one of the department's "biggest fans".

Recognizing her impact beyond academics, this scholarship celebrates her unwavering enthusiasm and steadfast encouragement of students to pursue their dreams.

It is a merit-based scholarship given to upperclassmen who have made outstanding artistic or craft contributions during their years of studying theatre at Purdue and who have provided notable support and encouragement of their fellow students.

"[10] Mennen is featured as a Lifetime Distinguished Member of VASTA, honoring "individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of Voice & Speech.

Mennen joins a group of pioneers in voice training, including Frankie Armstrong, Cicely Berry, Arthur Lessac, Kristin Linklater, and Patsy Rodenburg.

Purdue grad and Theater and Television Director Tom Moore offered words of thanks for the support, encouragement and wisdom that Mennen provided over the years.