Listen Here
By Mackala Krichbaum, KrichbaumM@Findlay.edu
The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is unique and special to those around it. Benjamin Sapp knew as a student that this was something he would want to involve himself in post-graduation.
Sapp has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. This led to his career working as the Director of the Mazza Museum.
Even though Sapp is not from around Findlay, we had connections from Parkway High School that encouraged him to look into UF.
“I had worked with the Mazza Museum as a student as an undergraduate and always had a real joy and love of working with the museum, the authors, and illustrators that the museum brought in on a yearly basis,” Sapp said. “I wanted to be a part of this institution for my career and I’m grateful that the opportunity did happen. I was able to graduate with my master’s and then walk right into a position here at UF.”
As a student, Sapp’s favorite was the people and the community that surrounded him.
“I think that [community] is still very much a part of what makes the University of Findlay special today, is the faculty, staff, and students,” Sapp said. “I hope we never lose that.”
As a faculty member, the Mazza Museum has allowed for many connections. The Mazza Museum is something unique since it is dedicated to sharing original artworks from picture books.
“The Mazza Museum is the world’s first, largest, and most diverse collection of original artworks from picture books,” Sapp said. “I’ve been told we like to say that the museum is somewhat like the front porch of the museum.”
The artwork in the museum changes to ensure books are rotated.
“We have just shy of 21,000 original works of art in the vault.” Sapp said. “About every six months, we change one exhibit so that you’re likely to see something new and different if you visit a couple of times a year.”
The museum hosts people of all ages to come out and enjoy the artwork and books it has to offer. Going forward, Sapp’s recommendation for students is to take it all in.
“Take full advantage of all the resources that this place [UF] has to offer and to give you in not only your day-to-day walk as a student,” Sapp said. “As you prepare for graduation and job opportunities, make sure that you’re utilizing all of the possible resources that the institution has available for you.”
The museum is always looking for students to help. Once a month, Funday Sunday occurs and the museum could use students to help with the activity or the program to implement to them. The museum is always looking for students to help with school tours and to work in the gift shop.
“Last year, there were 291 events here,” Sapp said. “So, there’s always something going on that we could use an extra hand from any of the students here on campus.”
If students would like to help with these events feel free to reach out to sapp@findlay.edy or by phone at 419-434-5343.
