Ngaarumbidzwe “Ngaa” Magombedze is proving that passion, perseverance and the support of those who believe in you can turn obstacles into opportunities. 
Photos by Reese Moore
Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Ngaarumbidzwe “Ngaa” Magombedze moved with her parents to the U.S. for her mother’s career in medicine when she was 6 months old. She and her family later relocated to Hampton, South Carolina, before moving to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, when Magombedze was around 12 years old. She loved living near extended family in the bustling city of more than 2 million people so much that she decided to stay in Harare when her mother took a job near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a few years later.
The problem with that decision was that – despite following her mother to Myrtle Beach after high school – she didn’t qualify for in-state tuition at the College of Charleston because she hadn’t yet received her green card.
“The citizenship process here is lengthy, and even the permanent residency process was a challenge,” says the double major in theatre and international studies, adding that the support she got at the College made that challenge much easier. “One of the biggest things for me here has been the support I’ve received from the theatre and international studies departments and the people around me – especially the faculty, who have been so encouraging. They’ve told me, ‘We want you here. We want you to keep pursuing your dreams.’” 
Even after receiving her green card and qualifying for in-state tuition, Magombedze was still concerned about being able to afford to stay at the College. That’s when her professors stepped up and encouraged her to apply for scholarships. 
RELATED: Read more about Magombedze in this College of Charleston Magazine story.
“I didn’t realize that scholarships are actually an investment in your education,” says Magombedze. “It’s really a serious contribution to your future.” 
One contribution to Magombedze’s future is the Anne Marley and Allen Lyndrup Scholarship, which supports students who excel in the Department of Theatre and Dance.  
“When I was awarded the scholarship, it meant so much and completely changed my perspective on my future,” she says. “The scholarship not only made pursuing my studies possible, but also gave me the financial freedom to dedicate more time to what I love – teaching.” 
Helping students like Magombedze realize they can do more is exactly what the scholarship was intended for when it was established in 2016.
“The hope is that students who may not otherwise be able to complete their degree will receive financial help and be encouraged to take advantage of what the department has to offer,” explains Anne Marley Lyndrup, whose late husband Allen Lyndrup was a professor and chair of theatre and dance at the College, teaching a wide range of theatre disciplines – including acting, directing, technical theatre, scene design, theatre history and script analysis – for more than 20 years. “Allen’s passion for building this scholarship was contagious. He wanted to reward students dedicated to theatre and believed that the lessons learned would benefit them throughout their lives.” 
During his tenure at the College, Allen Lyndrup designed and oversaw the construction of the Chapel Theatre; managed a successful summer dinner theatre; composed the musical score for the College’s production of Lysistrata; and wrote, produced and directed Wolfi!, a biographical play about Mozart.
Todd McNerney, associate dean of the School of the Arts and professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, describes his close as the heart of the department.  
“He wanted everyone to feel seen,” reflects McNerney. “There are simply no words that can fully capture his character. He was always completely dedicated to whatever he set his mind to. He genuinely cared about every person he encountered and was relentlessly committed to helping his students reach their full potential.  
“One example of his unwavering commitment to the program was when he personally gathered chairs from a closing business downtown to ensure that the Chapel Theatre could be used for teaching,” he adds. “His passion for the theatre department was undeniable – he was determined to create a space where education could continue to thrive.” 
For McNerney, Magombedze is the embodiment of Allen’s passion for theatre – constantly going above and beyond to honor the legacy of dedication and care that Lyndrup instilled in the department. 
“Ngaa is the kind of student, but more importantly the kind of individual, who is willing to do whatever is necessary to advance a production,” says McNerney. “She will play the leading character, sell the tickets or sweep the stage – and that is exactly who Allen Lyndrup was: a person willing to do anything for the good of the whole.” 
In addition to playing lead roles in shows, Magombedze has taken behind-the-scenes roles, some of which she never expected, like working as an assistant research lighting designer.  
“Last year, I did my first main stage show with Pippin, which was a new experience for me since I had mostly been involved in director showcases and Center Stage productions,” says Magombedze, who also helped design lighting for the opera earlier this year and served as the assistant director for a staged reading of The Late Wedding by visiting assistant professor of theatre Peter Spearman. “I had expressed interest in directing, and Peter offered me the opportunity to assist him on his next project. The past fall semester, I was involved in Dracula, and I worked and will continue to work at the Musical Theatre Center in Mount Pleasant teaching.” 
Reflecting on her journey, Magombedze credits the scholarships she has received as a turning point that made these opportunities possible and deepened her commitment to theatre.  
“Philanthropy has a powerful impact, not just on recipients, but on everyone around them,” says Magombedze, who intends to pursue a master’s degree in teaching performing arts at the College of Charleston. “Receiving a scholarship reminds me that my passion for theatre is worth pursuing, even when the odds seem stacked against me.
“It gives me financial support and confidence to continue and inspire others to believe they can do the same,” she continues. “The scholarship not only empowers recipients but also encourages those who see it, showing that there are people who believe in us and our dreams. That’s what I believe Mr. Allen hoped for – to help us keep going and remind us that we can succeed in theatre.” 

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