Lou Bellamy, founder and artistic director of the Penumbra Theatre and honored University of Minnesota faculty member, will retire from the University this spring.

Penumbra is MinnesotaâÄôs only professional African American theater. It opened in 1976, and emphasizes community storytelling and education.

The College of Liberal Arts will host a tribute event Feb. 22 for Bellamy, who has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at the University for 32 years. He is currently an associate professor at the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.

âÄúSuch an important faculty member should have an appropriate send off,âÄù University Spokesman Jeff Falk said.

The event will be held at the Elmer L. Andersen Library, and is open to the public.