New Scholarship Fund Carries J. William Bordeau’s Legacy Forward
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As MMC enters a new chapter with Northeastern University, alumni and friends of the College have established a scholarship fund to honor late Theatre professor J. William Bordeau, whose teaching and leadership helped shape the liberal arts tradition that drew generations of talented students to 71st Street.
Bordeau joined MMC’s faculty in 1968, teaching Acting, Directing, and Communication Arts, and played a pivotal role in establishing the College’s BFA programs in Acting and Dance. His influence, however, extended beyond the classroom: In the 1970s, he served as a design consultant for the Theresa Lang Theatre and oversaw the creation of MMC’s Black Box Theatre, which was renamed in his honor upon his passing in 2009.
The College paid homage to Bordeau at its 2026 commencement, awarding him a posthumous degree in recognition of his transformative contributions to MMC’s performing arts programs.
Now, the J. William Bordeau Scholarship Fund will help ensure his legacy endures as MMC transitions to Northeastern – New York City. The fund will provide financial assistance to performing arts students following the merger, helping carry Bordeau’s commitment to arts education forward for future generations, said Mary Fleischer, a longtime Theatre Arts professor and former chair of MMC’s Visual and Performing Arts programs.
“Bill worked closely with colleagues to create the arts program at MMC and to build the Theresa Lang Theatre as an extension of the classroom and an Off-Broadway venue,” Fleischer said. “As MMC’s first director of recruitment for Theatre Arts, Bill led the faculty and staff efforts to substantially increase enrollment and develop the programs in scope and reputation.”
Above all, she added, Bordeau believed in the potential of every student. “He saw each student as a whole person and was truly interested in every student’s journey. Through his teaching expertise, generosity of spirit, and quick sense of humor, he earned his students’ trust and nurtured their confidence to chart a path forward to freely imagine new choices in art and in life.”
Former trustee and BFA Acting alumnus Edward Van Saders ’95, who helped spearhead the fund, experienced that commitment firsthand.
At MMC’s 2026 Commencement, Van Saders spoke about Bordeau’s exceptional commitment to students and reflected on the profound impact his late mentor and friend had on his own life. After being accepted into MMC’s Acting program, Van Saders was forced to decline the offer of admission due to financial circumstances. But “Bill advocated tirelessly on my behalf and ultimately secured my place in the freshman class of 1991. And with that single act, my life changed forever,” he said.
“It did not take long for me to realize that while my experience with Bill felt deeply personal, it was far from unique,” he said. “It was special certainly, but it was also the gift he gave so freely to countless students through his steadfast devotion to young people and to the institution he loved so dearly.
Van Saders framed Bordeau’s posthumous degree from MMC not only as a well-deserved honor for a beloved professor, but as a full-circle moment for the College. “At this important moment in Marymount’s continuing evolution to become a fully realized part of Northeastern, I can think of no more fitting tribute than to honor someone who consistently championed the future and the people who would shape it.”
Just as Bordeau saw the potential in every student, the new fund gives alumni, friends, and others whose lives were touched by his work—or who believe in the enduring power of the arts—an opportunity to do the same by helping expand the scholarship’s reach.
“Scholarships in Bill’s name do exactly what Bill did during his brilliant life—champion the future and advocate fiercely for the arts,” Van Saders said. “Contributions to these scholarships will help future generations of performing arts students. It is such a fitting way to honor Bill and support the next great talent in the arts.”
For more information about the scholarship fund and how you can lend your support, email alumni@mmm.edu.
Published: June 26, 2026
Alums shine at 2026 Tony Awards
What do we love best about the Tonys? Spotting members of the MMC community on and off stage! The College was well represented at the 79th Annual Tony Awards ceremony on June 7—congratulations to all those who performed, presented, won awards, earned nominations, and worked behind the scenes on Broadway’s biggest night. Here are some of the familiar faces we saw.
