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Elmhurst University, The BASE partner for a night of arts and opportunity

June 17, 2024 at 7:04 pm CDT

On the red carpet at the “Feel the BASE” premiere are (from left): Eric Davis, co-founder of The BASE; John Klein, assistant professor of digital media at Elmhurst University; Paris Parham, songwriter and The BASE mentor; Christine Grenier, Elmhurst U. vice president for admission; Kristyn Jo Benedyk, associate professor and director of Elmhurst’s digital media program; and Alexander Blumenberg, senior director for community partnerships and first-year admission at Elmhurst U. — On the red carpet at the “Feel the BASE” premiere are (from left): Eric Davis, co-founder of The BASE; John Klein, assistant professor of digital media at Elmhurst University; Paris Parham, songwriter and The BASE mentor; Christine Grenier, Elmhurst University vice president for admission; Kristyn Jo Benedyk, associate professor and director of Elmhurst’s digital media program; and Alexander Blumenberg, senior director for community partnerships and first-year admission at Elmhurst University (James Martin)

Seven Chicago middle school students premiered original songs and music videos they created as part of a yearlong project with digital media students and faculty from Elmhurst University during a red-carpet evening on June 5 at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago.

The songs’ themes ranged from a lighthearted take on excelling at basketball practice to more serious reflections on challenges overcome by the students, who all participate in a non-profit youth organization called The BASE Chicago.

In recognition of the students’ talent and potential, Elmhurst University offered the seven students a combined $350,000 in scholarships.