Campaign kicks off in NYC with Hamilton actor John Devereaux ’12
As part of the lead-up to TCU’s 150th anniversary in 2023, the university is highlighting notable Horned Frog leaders who found their inspiration at TCU with a series of murals, hand-painted in cities across America.
The larger-than-life artistic portraits will appear in select U.S. cities to recognize outstanding individuals who represent the power of TCU’s alumni leading on in extraordinary ways in their chosen fields. The first mural in the series was unveiled in New York City on Oct. 3 and spotlights alumnus John Devereaux ’12, currently touring with Hamilton.
“John is amazing, and he represents what we believe is the power of all Horned Frogs: We find our passion and pursue it,” said Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. “In corporations, in classrooms, in operating rooms and even on stages, you’ll find Horned Frogs leading on.”
Devereaux credits multiple experiences and people at TCU that prompted him to pursue a career in the performing arts. He says his life would have been different without the culture of connection at TCU and the support and encouragement from professors and classmates.
“I am so grateful to everyone at TCU for nurturing and expanding my gifts,” said Devereaux. “It is so meaningful to be celebrated like this and to know that I am viewed as a leader in my community. I truly believe that the stage is a platform for joy. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, and I pray that my shoulders will be strong to hold those who will stand on mine.”
Horned Frogs recently celebrated Devereaux, the mural project and the start of TCU’s 150th celebration with a reception in New York City that highlighted several Theatre TCU alumni.
The mural featuring Devereaux is 15 feet wide and 32 feet high. It is located on 25th Street between 6th and 7th avenues. The bold mural, painted in TCU’s signature purple, is accented with the sesquicentennial year look featuring a prismatic purple sunrise gradient, and features a photorealistic portrait of Devereaux and playful lettering highlighting his inspiring quote: “The stage is a platform for joy.”
The second mural location will be unveiled in Los Angeles in February of 2023 and feature alumna Katherine Beattie, a producer/writer for “NCIS” and the first woman to land a backflip using a wheelchair. Other mural subjects and locations will be announced soon, with the final mural debuting in Fort Worth in fall 2023.
Read more about John Devereaux, how TCU is leading on to its 150th and visit the 150th website.