Dr. Joe Brandesky will be awarded the Oscar G. Brocket Golden Pen Award for his book Jaroslav Malina In Scenography and Painting. The book recounts Malina's life from his early years under the Nazis, through communism and into the current democracy in the Czech Republic. Brandesky first met Malina when he was a doctoral student at the University of Kansas. The two forged a relationship that would last until Malina's death in 2016. 

The man in charge of the theater department at Ohio State Lima is taking his last curtain call. Doctor Joe Brandesky has served as the department coordinator since 19-88. He is also the Martha W. Farmer Endowed Professor of Theatre. His most recent role at the campus was interim dean from 2017 to 2019. He is currently working on his last production before retirement which is the fairy tale of “The Three Spinners”. The show is this year’s production for the Theatre for Young Audiences. Brandesky says he is most proud of how the department has grown under his tenor and the legacy of Martha Farmer.

Ohio State University at Lima is looking to recognize folks working to make our area a better place. The school has begun accepting nominations for their annual Violet I. Meek Town and Gown award.