Hear that? It’s the sound of one Jackrabbit training the next generation, one song at a time.
Story published November 2023
Jackrabbits, and the difference they make, are everywhere. With our new Alumni Spotlight series, we'll be sharing stories of recent alumni - what they've been up to since graduation and how their SDSU experience shaped who they are today.
Next up: Robert Escamilla
From his early childhood to his educational journey to his current career, Robert’s life wouldn’t be the same without it.
He grew up in Texas in a home defined by performing arts, the son of a mariachi singer. Once Robert began school, music was a means of escape from personal challenges, and he credits the standout teachers and their compassion that helped him finish high school.
Robert could see the influence that music played not just on academic learning, but on individual growth, as well. When he reached college, he set out on a mission to become a teacher that would similarly impact students someday.
Robert EscamillaI wanted to help kids not only grow in music, but as people. I especially focus on low-income, minority, and underrepresented students that share a similar background as me.
His time at South Dakota State University introduced many opportunities for Robert to get involved and explore his passion for performance. He participated in plays and took a few music courses, forever pondering how music could weave its way into his future career.
Today, he’s applying his Jackrabbit experiences to another school, Uplift Grand Fine Arts in Fort Worth, Texas. There, Robert is a musical director, teaching general music and recorder basics to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students, as well as leading a small-group ensemble.
We reached out to Robert to learn more about his life post-SDSU. From what we’ve heard, the music just keeps on playing.
I had a lot of opportunities to work in different areas at SDSU. I was able to not only focus on theatre but also take a few music courses. During my time at SDSU, I was able to act on stage and be a key musician, allowing me to bring both my theatre and music backgrounds together.
I would not be as giving as I am if it wasn't for the SDSU Foundation and its donors. Receiving a $17K scholarship my senior year was unbelievable. It took me so long to wrap my head around someone giving me money to pay for school, but over time I realized that I was just trying to be myself and fit into the very unknown region of the country I had never been to, and someone felt inspired to help with my educational journey. Now, I enjoy giving back and passing it forward to people who are doing their best but may need some extra help.
One of the absolute standout moments during my time at SDSU was being able to take part in the 2019 Celebration of Philanthropy. It was held in the brand-new Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. The Oscar Larson Theatre had only been open a couple of months, it was my senior year, and I was able to stand alone on stage and speak to donors who have impacted the lives of many students at SDSU. This, by far, will forever be an amazing moment in my life and a memory I will always cherish.
I am always striving to build relationships with scholars. I spend my time talking with students in our cafe as they eat breakfast or go into random classrooms. Once my classes start, I spend my time teaching sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students – they all learn differently, but I’m able to adjust my curriculum to their needs and their strengths. After school is out, I run rehearsals with our small music ensemble. Currently, I have about 15 scholars who participate in after-school rehearsals, but I am hoping this will grow year after year.
My favorite part is seeing scholars who are not really into music when they first walk through my door, but by the end of the semester, they are the ones in my ensemble group after school and asking to play more advanced music. It is also nice seeing these shy scholars speak up and get out of their shells.
I was the recipient of scholarships during my time at SDSU. As someone who came from out of state, didn't know very many people, and just went into the school with an open mind, I didn't expect to receive any scholarships. Over the course of my two years at SDSU, I received over $20K dollars in scholarship support, and I am forever grateful. This has really pushed me to give back to our next generation and pay it forward.
Learn More About Scholarships at SDSU
Through a combination of scholarship support and compassionate teachers, he was led to pursue his own journey in music and to positively influence students in the same manner that educators did so for him.
Robert spoke highly of the many professors at SDSU that went above and beyond to ensure he explored every opportunity available to him.
“Though some may think it was their job, to me, it was much more appreciated,” said Robert. “I don't know how I could ever repay them.”
Philanthropy is about far more than money, and through his unwavering dedication to the next generation of musicians and performers, Robert has more than paid it forward.
The proof of just one Jackrabbit’s influence can be found in Fort Worth, Texas, where countless artists are learning how music is life – taught to them, by extension, through SDSU.
