MJC: A Path For Achieving Dreams

When I realized I had a passion for music and theater, I was fortunate to have a high school teacher who referred me to Modesto Junior College to study classical music with Dr. Lewis and Shirley Woodward – a true music teaching institution.

While at MJC, I had the privilege to sing with the community chorus, be part of the yearly musical, work for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, and earn a full scholarship to the University of California at Irvine.

Since then, I’ve enjoyed opportunities to be part of professional productions on Broadway and beyond – including A Tale of Two Cities, Camelot, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Jekyll and Hyde and The Scarlet Pimpernel.

As a concert artist, I’ve been able to perform with symphonies globally as well as on Broadway. And through my company, Stolle House Productions, I’ve performed my show “No More Talk of Darkness” with performing arts centers nationwide.

I’ve also been able to reach an online fanbase on Spotify and my first solo album, “In the Moment,” has sold in over 30 countries. I’ve enjoyed appearing on Good Morning America, All My Children, As the World Turns and Rescue Me. And today I’m a cast member in the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera.

I’m writing all of this not to brag, or grandstand, or promote myself. I’m writing it because the engagement and care I felt from MJC personnel and fellow students provided an amazing preparation for achieving my dreams. And I want to say thank you to the many people who had a role in the accomplishments of this first-generation college graduate. I hope to continue to make you proud.

- Jeremy Stolle
2021 Distinguished Alumni Award winner