Meet Justin Shurley. Justin joined our board of directors in 2013. He is the Director of Development and External Affairs for IPFW Athletics. Prior to joining IPFW, he was with the TinCaps for 9 years. He also serves on the YLNI Foundation board, City of Fort Wayne Parks Board and Commissioners, Fort Wayne City Planning Commission, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Real Men Read. He and his family attend Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, where he sings in the festival choir. Originally from Paducah, KY, Justin grew up in choir. His mother was a high school choir director, as well as their church choir director and organist. He has been surrounded by music his entire life.
1- Why did you get involved with FWCC? I had helped FWCC put together a fundraiser with the TinCaps, singing the National Anthem before games. The director at the time knew I had a music background and talked to me about joining the board. It seemed only fitting that I should support something that meant so much to me when I was growing up.
2- What were you most surprised to learn about FWCC after getting involved? I was surprised by how much the organization does– and with such a lean and dedicated staff. The staff does not get the credit they deserve for how hard they work.
3- Why do you think FWCC is important to the community? An education in the arts, and specifically in music, is extremely important in the development of a child– in the way they think, act, and problem solve. It opens up a mind to learn in different ways. With so much focus toward STEM, the arts are being forgotten about in public schools. Therefore, the FWCC is a vital part of this community, teaching children how to read music, music theory, and how to be part of something bigger than themselves.
4- What is your favorite FWCC memory? Our first Do Re Mi event. I got to see community members witnessing the FWCC and then reaching into their pockets to support the organization even though they had no direct tie to it.