Robert Shook to Receive Ohio Alumni Award

	Robert Shook, Schuler Shook

Ohio University awarded Chicagoan Robert Shook with The Medal of Merit for achieving distinction as an award-winning professional theatrical designer, theatre planner, and architectural lighting designer. Shook, who earned his master's degree in fine arts from Ohio University in 1974, will accept the prestigious award on October 9 at the 2015 Alumni Awards Gala.

"These skilled, ambitious, and devoted awardees make me feel proud to be a part of the Bobcat family," said Jennifer Neubauer, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the Alumni Association. "The time, talent, and treasure that they give to Ohio University each year is astonishing, and we are delighted to be able to recognize their steadfast support to alma mater during homecoming."

Shook is a founding partner of Schuler Shook, an international theatre planning and architectural lighting design firm. He has consulted on over 200 performing arts facilities worldwide and designed over 180 theatrical productions in Chicago and the Midwest.

Shook has served as president of the American Society of Theatre Consultants, and is committed to educating professionals in the field by regularly presenting at conferences and serving on performing arts councils. He is best known for his lighting design for Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Water Tower, the Calder "Flamingo" sculpture in Federal Plaza, and the Palmolive Building.

Shook is a recipient of over 20 international awards for excellence in lighting design and is currently working with the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University to help lay the groundwork for the development of a new theatre in Dublin, Ohio, as well as teaching master classes on the Athens campus.

John Culbert, the dean of The Theatre School at DePaul University, was one of Shook's colleagues that nominated him for The Medal of Merit award after 25 years of knowing and working with him.

"Under Bob's leadership, Schuler Shook is now one of the most highly regarded consulting and design firms and is involved in high profile projects around the world," Culbert said in his nomination letter. "I believe he is a role model for all the Ohio University offers to its students, professionally, and personally."

To learn more about each of Ohio University's Alumni Award recipients, please visit www.ohio.edu/alumni/involve/alumni-awards/2015.cfm.

Nominate an exceptional alumnus or alumna for the 2016 Alumni Awards at www.ohio.edu/alumni/involve/alumni-awards/nominations/index.cfm