CON LITERATURE.THEATRE.ART ince childhood, Hank Knerr ’77 has been drawn to music and theatre. Growing up in Coopersburg, Pa., with a Puerto Rican mother and Pennsylvania German father, he was exposed to a great deal of ethnic music, though he fondly remembers soundtracks like “The Music Man,” “South Pacific,” and others. His passion for performance began in elementary school when his parents took him to see a touring production of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” He later participated in one-act play competitions, sang in chorus, played tuba in the high school band, performed solo pieces, and appeared in school musicals. His role as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” during high school confirmed his love for the stage. A key factor for Hank in deciding to attend Lycoming was his meeting with choir director Walter McIver; sitting in a rehearsal and learning about the choir’s upcoming trip to England left a strong impression. Hank eventually pursued double majors in music and theatre, deepening his commitment to performance. He later discovered a passion for arts management, earning an M.F.A. from Penn State University and building a career focused on promoting the arts and bringing artists and touring productions from around the world to local communities. Hank spent 28 years at Indiana University of Pennsylvania as executive director of the Lively Arts program where he expanded not only the types of artists and programming made available, but the number of events offered annually throughout his tenure plus a wide range of arts in education community outreach programs. Upon retiring in 2017, Hank founded Raising Arts (www.raisingarts.com) to remain connected to the field, using his experience to advise presenters, artists, managers, and arts organizations while dedicating much of his time to pro bono consulting. One of several undertakings includes mentoring Chibuike Victor, a talented but desperately poor young cellist from Nigeria. Hank recognized Chibuike’s potential and is working to help him pursue advanced musical studies while navigating scholarship opportunities, a significant need for external funds, and immigration hurdles. Their shared goal for him to study in the U.S. was derailed by U.S.- imposed travel restrictions and visa denials, but Chibuike has since been accepted to the University of Victoria in British Columbia and awaits visa approval. Both mentor and friend, Hank visited Lagos in February 2025 to meet Chibuike’s parents and witness his first-year recital and returned this summer to attend his conservatory orchestral performance, personally funding both trips. Hank will continue to work hard raising the significant funds needed for this young talent’s education. Helping others discover joy through the arts has been Hank’s greatest motivation. “Just standing in the back of an auditorium and hearing people applaud, knowing that I was a big part of making that happen for them — that’s what thrills me,” he said. “The arts are emotional and strengthen communities, thus enhancing the quality of life.” HENRY “HANK” KNERR ’77 36 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2026 FALL MAGAZINE
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