Graceland University Art Curator, Jeanne Davis, showcases the bold Loree piece now hanging in Shaw Center outside the JR Theatre.
Longtime Graceland supporter JR Shaw, whose significant generosity led to the magnificent Shaw Center, recently gave yet another gift of art to Graceland University. The Shaw lobby is now adorned with a large original oil and acrylic on panel entitled “Slice” by Erin Loree. The painting makes a statement, measuring 86 X 68 and demands attention with its strong composition and bold color.
The richly expressive paintings of Erin Loree are suffused with vibrant hues and swirling with the rhythms of life. Her original voice captures the quality of impermanence she views as an essential aspect of life. The movement, balance and spontaneity in her abstracts are created by both applying and removing paint; a dance that brings the best in abstract expressionism.
The artist graduated with a BFA in Drawing and Painting from Ontario College of Art and Design University, where she was awarded the 2012 Medal for Drawing and Painting. Since her graduation, she has participated in numerous group shows as well as solos exhibitions. Loree was selected for the Bill and Isabel Pope Residency in painting at NSCAD in Halifax, Nova Scotia in the fall of 2016, and her work has been featured in MOMUS.ca, the Toronto Star, Beautiful Decay and the Huffington Post (Angell Gallery).
The painting was a gift in honor of President Emeritus John Sellars, whose retirement this spring concluded 10 years in the office of Graceland University President.
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
August 31, 2026
Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
