Festival Announces Passing of Jyl Shuler, Former Development Director

With deep sadness, the Utah Shakespeare Festival announces the sudden passing of our dear friend, Jyl Shuler, former Development Director and lifetime advocate for the Festival. Jyl worked for the Festival as Development Director for 29 years, leading fundraising efforts through periods of tremendous growth and rigorous financial challenges. Jyl was instrumental in raising millions of dollars to build the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts. She was especially gifted at creating long-lasting, genuine relationships with Festival friends. During her tenure, essential connections were cultivated with patrons, donors, and institutions that have provided the foundational support that sustains the Festival today.

Jyl was hired in 1988 as the Festival’s first full-time Development Director. Working closely with Festival Founder Fred C. Adams and former Executive Director R. Scott Phillips, Jyl built a legacy of generous giving on all levels. “Jyl was a ray of light with a huge heart. She brought a magic sparkle to the work, and people trusted her,” states Michael Bahr, Executive Managing Director. “Jyl’s fundraising accomplishments paved the way for the growth of the Festival. Jyl acquired the Festival’s first corporate gift. She obtained the first seven-figure gift, and this happened because of her genuine love for those who give.”

As part of a dedicated team, Jyl, Scott, and Fred cultivated relationships with key philanthropic foundations in the state, underscoring the importance of the Festival’s mission. Jyl’s efforts in this area––such as fostering combined support from the Marriner S. Eccles, Emma Eccles Jones, and George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundations–– were instrumental in securing the support the Festival needed to thrive.

The building of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts required a wide range of contributions from patrons, donors, board members, and university personnel. Jyl was instrumental in creating these lifelong Festival friends, a testament to her ability to unite people and nurture connections. Through the focused collaboration of a team of fundraisers, she helped to fulfill this community dream.

Jyl loved serving people, organizing galas, and planning fundraising trips and parties. These events sparked and solidified lifelong friendships with patrons. Jyl’s impact is remembered by hundreds on social media sharing memories and comments, including: “I felt Jyl was the Festival’s heart.” “Jyl maintained warm and lasting relationships with our family for 25 years.” “ Fred and Jyl were always the face of the Festival for us.” “Jyl was a positive driving force in development and a warm, welcoming spirit for the Festival.” Jyl was a second mother, mentor, and faithful friend.” “Jyl was a beautiful human being who contributed to the success and growth of the Festival.” “I’ll dearly miss her jovial ‘Hey Kiddo’ and ‘Huzzah!’”

Jyl retired from the Festival in October of 2017. She actively continued to advocate for the Festival, providing suggestions for future growth, participating in events, and was a catalyst for further building of community. Southern Utah University President Mindy Benson shared, “Jyl is a bright light, full of creativity, service mentorship, and love to all who had the opportunity to spend time with her, work with her, and learn from her. She will be missed. She continues to make a difference through all of us.”

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 20, at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Hunter Alumni Center at Southern Utah University, 405 West University Blvd, Cedar City, Utah 84720. A viewing will be held prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Whiting Room. It is requested that attendees wear a touch of pink, as that was Jyl’s favorite color.

Click here for the obituary and link to livestream the services.