“The passion was always there…there were always things to do, and it was always exciting with Shumka.”

Gordon and Marion Ostapchuk have been around Shumka for nearly as long as Shumka has been around. Joining in 1961, Marion went on to spend 42 years instructing multiple generations of Ukrainian dancers; at one point, her students made up the majority of the company. One of her earliest students was her husband-to-be, Gordon, who joined Shumka as an associate in 1969 before receiving instruction from Marion and becoming a full-fledged dancer in 1970. Both have continued to be highly involved in the Shumka alumni association, with Marion establishing the first database of Shumka alumni and Gordon playing a key role in the development of the Shumka Stage in Louise McKinney Park.

Like many Shumka couples, the Ostapchuks have been loyal supporters, generous donors, and essential in the growth and prosperity of Shumka over the last 60 years. Thank you, Gordon and Marion.