Santino Fontana: From BFA to Broadway
Alumni of Notable Achievement recipient Santino Fontana (BFA ‘04, acting), the "most distinguished alum in the history of the BFA Acting Program,” is a nationally acclaimed actor whose extraordinary achievements span Broadway, film, and television. A Tony Award winner for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Tootsie, he has also earned accolades for his work in Disney's Frozen and TV series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Meet CLA's 2024 Outstanding Alumni
CLA alumni are transforming the world. If you need proof, look no further than these eleven catalysts for change. Nominated by their peers, we're excited and proud to recognize this year's Alumni of Notable Achievement and Emerging Alumni Award recipients.
What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you end up studying what you did?
Ken Washington and Scott Freeman founded the new BFA Actor Training Program and I had the opportunity to be in its first class, and couldn't resist.
What should current students understand about your profession if they are considering it for themselves?
Everything people say about how difficult it is to be an actor is true. That said, if your soul is fed by it in a way you can't ignore–go for it. You owe it to yourself.
What has scholarship support meant to you?
I could not have attended UMN if I hadn't received the generous and necessary financial aid I did. I wish I could thank those anonymous donors who allowed me to study where I wanted because without them, it wouldn't have been possible.
What's next? What are your personal/professional goals for the next five years?
As an actor I firmly believe my job is just to get to the next breath...thinking to the next five years seems terrifying.
About the Alumni Awards
The Emerging Alumni Award is one of CLA’s Outstanding Alumni Awards that highlights recent graduates who have been remarkable leaders, creators, and community service-oriented individuals.
Nominees of this award are chosen each year by members of the CLA Student Board and past honorees of this award. All nominees are new alumni who have graduated from the College of Liberal Arts generally within the past 10 years. These individuals are chosen for their outstanding contributions to their fields and communities while still emerging in their professional careers.
The College of Liberal Arts Alumni of Notable Achievement award, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is one of two Outstanding Alumni Awards that highlight former students who have stood out as great leaders, professionals, and community service-oriented individuals. This award is one of the ways that CLA comes together to celebrate alumni for their achievements in all areas of society—career paths, interests, community involvement, talents, achievements, and more.
All nominees for this award are submitted by fellow CLA faculty, alum, staff, and friends, and the winners are selected by a committee of past honorees. This award was started in 1994 and has since been given each year (with the exception of 2019-20). These handpicked individuals are celebrated and honored for their impact on the world around them.
Learn more about CLA's Outstanding Alumni Awards.
This story was edited by Sally Adams, an undergraduate student in CLA.
