C.J. Hallisey Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations (IDIC) Award at the University of Calgary

2025-26 Winner: Nick Wickstrom, $1,500

Nick Wickstrom, $1,500

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama), Faculty of Arts

Nick (they/them) is a third-year student at the University of Calgary, with a main study in Drama and a love for unique and immersive theatre experiences. They enjoy the chance to explore many facets of theatre this year as the Co-Artistic Director of Nickel Dime Theatre along with acting in their first mainstage. They are excited at the chance to go through the acting process with the cast of Much Ado About Nothing and can't wait to show everyone what they have worked on.

Nick's Links:

2024-25 Winner: E.L. Spring, $1,200 ... AGAIN!

Bachelor of Education - Five-Year Concurrent (Secondary Education - Fine Arts - Drama), Werklund School of Education; Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama), Faculty of Arts

Laurel “El” Spring is a fourth-year Arts Education student at the University of Calgary.

Originally from Fort McMurray, AB, El began acting with Keyano Theatre’s Drama Force and the Holy Trinity Theatre Academy before transitioning to directing in their final years up north. Since relocating to Calgary, Laurel has worked as a stage manager and designer on University productions and has continued directing with ND Student Theatre. El is currently the Co-Artistic Director of ND Student Theatre on campus and is a dedicated advocate for mental health and inclusion, fighting to make both the classroom and the stage a welcoming place for all. Laurel would like to thank Nancy Lawson and the infinite list of Arts Educators, teachers, and education support staff who helped them get to where they are today. This is their first time in a University of Calgary Mainstage, and they hope you love this show as much as they do!

Laurel's Links:

2023-24 Winner: Laurel Spring, $1,200

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama), Faculty of Arts

Laurel's Links:

Facebook
Instagram
Interview on Instagram for "Feed"
(UofC Nickel and Dime Theatre)

2022-23 Winner: Sofia Huarte Aguilar, $1,100

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama), Faculty of Arts

"As an international student navigating university on my own, without the support of my family around me, it is extremely meaningful in many different ways to be supported in my pursuit of education through awards like this, I fully rely on them, and, without them, I simply would not be able to finish my academic career at the University of Calgary. It makes me extremely excited to get this amazing support, and to be able to continue pushing forward to make the most of my degree, which makes me so incredibly passionate. A very deep thank you to all the incredibly generous donors who have contributed to my education. I hope it is not lost on you, as it isn't on me, that you are a crucial part of my academic journey. When I have my degree in my hands, a little part of that will be thanks to you! Thank you!"

Sofia's Links:

About the Award

I spent about 10 years building up this scholarship fund during my working years. Originally, I wanted it to be a LGBTQ2IA+ focused hockey scholarship as I’m a huge fan of junior hockey. But the Awards department at the UofC told me that most hockey players at UofC already have a scholarship. And they frankly didn't need any more hockey scholarships.

So, I asked which department had the greatest need for awards? Answer: the Department of Drama in the Faculty of Arts. I also love & support live theatre, so this fit very nicely!

You may ask: Why “IDIC”?

I am a HUGE Star Trek fan, and the Vulcan concept of IDIC comes from Gene Roddenberry’s ideals about a positive inclusive view of the future where diversity is a source of strength, and is celebrated all over the galaxy. The logo for the award is a combination of the IDIC Logo from Star Trek, inlaid with some of the brightly-coloured Pride flags of the LGBTQ2IA+ community. Can you name them all? There are 6 in the logo. 😊

This award was also to honour my dad, C.J. “Neal” Hallisey, who passed away in 2022.

Award Links (hosted at the UofC):

Here's the Award page at the UofC showing the details of the award.
If you would like to help me grow the endowment fund, you can donate via the UofC's Donation Page for the IDIC Award.
If you donate, please let me know on Facebook or Instagram so I can send you an IDIC lapel pin to thank you for your donation!

LLLAP! LOVE Live Long And Prosper!