Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Kim Frenze Inspires Through Laughter and Song

Her last name says it all. You'll be whipped into a frenzy with Kim Frenze, receptionist, university office. "I like laughing," she says. "People should laugh more. It relieves pressure and stress."

She enjoys singing, too. For the past three years, she has been the featured anthem singer at all three JWU commencement ceremonies. She repeats her performance of the Star-Spangled Banner at this year's ceremonies.

Before joining the university in October 2000, she worked for a law firm. Before that, she and a few friends operated a flight school. Indeed, she flew a plane; a low wing, single-engine one. True story. But one breaks out into laughter nonetheless because of the funny faces Kim makes at the absurdity of this reality.

It should be mentioned that all of this hilarity is occurring at the reception desk on the 6th floor of the Cookson Building. With top administration in nearby offices, there's way too much fun going on. That's because when Kim isn't answering phones or assisting with university office projects, she's an entertainer by trade. You may have seen her in the recent JWU Players' presentation of "Urinetown, the Musical" in which she played Penelope Pennywise. Her performance nearly stole the show.

In addition to the theatrics at JWU, Kim has been a member of Rhode Island's popular Ocean State Follies and Mark Bedrosian's entertaining Party Van. Each of these performance groups incorporates comedy, costumes, song and dance.

Kim remembers getting on the showbiz track because of football and boys. She was about 8 or 9 years old when her father noticed she was playing football with the boys in the neighborhood – a lot. "He took the football out of my hand and put me in tutu," she says. "Actually, he enrolled me in ballet class. I was not crazy about it in the beginning, but the dance teacher let us put on musical comedy shows."

Later, she attended the American and Dramatic Academy in New York City. "I tried out for a part in 'Grease' and got a call back." From the east coast to the west coast, she was in the cast of "Puttin' on the Hits," a predecessor to today's "Idol" type programs that aired nationwide in the 80s.

Her biggest fan base is her friends and family here in Rhode Island. Her favorite role is "Auntie" to five nieces and one nephew.

With her hectic schedule, one wonders when she finds any down time. "At work," she replies. "In fact, I'm down right now." What's her idea of relaxing? "Work," she jokes.

Is it hard for someone this funny to be serious? "Let me think about it," she ponders briefly. "I have my moments."

With an array of talents, what does she wish to add to her repertoire? There's a long pause as she reflects. "I'd like to inspire people," Kim replies.

That wish will come true, again, at this year's commencement ceremonies. It's a performance not to miss.