University of New Mexico student Michael Lente has always been a storyteller, beginning his journey at an early age.
“I began as a cartoonist at age 6 but, when you see the world through the eyes of a cartoonist, you also see the world through the eyes of a storyteller. It’s just a matter of perspective. I graduated from cartooning to writing stories, then to writing novels to writing plays which I am currently doing. I’m having a great time,” he said.
Lente recently won this year’s Excellence in Undergraduate Arts Research Award for his two-act play "Fifth World Coming."
The UNM Excellence in Undergraduate Arts Research Award recognizes outstanding arts research by UNM students. Winners receive an $800 departmental award, while two Honorable Mention winners each receive $200 departmental awards.
A sixth-year senior, Lente is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Theatre Arts, including dramatic writing and stage/screen-related courses. His secondary concentration is in Italian language, literature, culture, and history.
Lente, 73, is also a Navy veteran who has retired from his previous occupation as a physician assistant. Seeking further challenges, he decided to pursue his research and degree.
“I was bored of retirement. I always believed that one must continue to learn, and it was time to pursue something I really wanted to do for myself," Lente said. "My profession now is as a student... The day I stop learning is the day I die.”
Lente describes his unique writing style as “Native American Mystery Science Fiction Theatre.” He elaborated: “I feel that there’s more need for stage plays inclusive of science fiction topics combined with Native American topics... It makes for an interesting blend.”
During the 2023 winter holiday break, Lente completed "Fifth World Coming," which encompasses all components of his Native American Mystery Science Theater style.
Lente's research included Native American issues and history, personal stories from his grandfather, ventriloquism, puppetry, magic, anthropological studies among others.
“My research process was less structured and scientific and more right-brained in nature,” Lente said. “I’ve relied mostly on inspiration and gut instinct...”
Reflecting on early influences such as Disney and Warner Brothers cartoons before CGI became prevalent: “This is where the research process begins and continues until final completion,” he noted.
Winning the Excellence in Undergraduate Arts Research Award made Lente feel validated: “And surprised. And happy to see that research can be more than formulas and test tubes..."
He hopes to eventually be admitted into the Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing program with "Fifth World Coming" as part of his thesis or project.
Lente expressed gratitude toward his grandfather Frank Lente (1898-1993) for inspiring him: “the storyteller of our Indian ways.” He also acknowledged UNM professors Eric Ehn and Juli Hendren among others who supported him along the way.
To other students contemplating returning to school or pursuing their dreams despite obstacles: “Follow your dreams… As was once said by Admiral Farragut during the battle of Mobile Bay in 1864 ‘Damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead.’”
Honorable Mention awards went to Lilly Porter for her project "Inspiration, Transformation; Bringing Audiences into UNM Classical Concerts" and Andrew Roibal for his Honors Thesis exhibition "Other Worlds 1."
Porter commented on her project aimed at raising audience numbers at UNM Department of Music concerts: “It reflected a lack of audience engagement with western classical music... This project taught me that through raising awareness we keep music alive.”
Roibal is recognized for developing skills across various mediums including photography focused on indigenous subjects.
