Hackettstown resident Amanda Ackerman was the voice of Centenary, performing at major University functions, working full time while pursuing a double major.

For the past several years, Amanda Ackerman was the voice of Centenary University, performing the national anthem, alma mater, and other songs at campus events including commencement. “It’s been an honor,” said Ackerman, who graduated in December with a double major in theatre arts and computer science. “I’ve been singing forever, but it’s always funny when people recognize me on campus because they heard me sing at an event.”

Ackerman’s interest in performing was sparked as a child. Growing up in Hackettstown, she attended performances by the Centenary Stage Company, an equity theatre company in residence on campus at the University’s David and Carol Lackland Center. She and her sister also took part in Centenary’s Young Performer’s Workshop, which offers theatre arts training for youths ages 8 through 18. She initially thought about attending college farther from home, but realized that a great theatre program—and college experience—were located in her own backyard. 

“My brother and sister both went to Centenary, and I live three minutes from campus,” explained Ackerman, who has performed in both student and Centenary Stage Company productions. “It’s incredible that there’s a professional equity theatre here in Hackettstown, where people generally don’t have easy access to the arts. In the lobby after the show, I’ve heard audience members comparing the quality to New York productions.”

While Ackerman received a generous scholarship from Centenary, she also needed to work full time to help pay tuition. So, she juggled two jobs throughout her education—most recently as an assistant wedding coordinator for a nearby wedding venue, and earlier on as a waitress—while completing a double major and performing. “I’ve always known that paying for college was going to be my own responsibility,” Ackerman said. “I may have had to work, but without the scholarship, I would have had to take on the full cost of tuition. I’m grateful to the donors who provided the scholarship and gave me the opportunity to attend Centenary.”

Now, Ackerman has accepted a full-time position as a wedding coordinator for her current employer, and is also looking to audition for roles to launch a theatre career. And she hasn’t ruled out computer science, either: “A lot of my time has been devoted to going to school, working full time, and theatre. This is really a time for me to explore and see where life is going to take me. I have three fascinating career paths to follow, so I’m going to put my best effort into all three and see what sticks.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Centenary University offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. Under the leadership of President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., the University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.