Broadway, Film and TV Personality Shares Impact of His HSU Experience With Current Students

Wally Sherertz, a.k.a. Michael Shelle encourages students through song.

March 3, 2015 Cheryl Sawyers

Wally Sherertz, a.k.a. Michael Shelle, a 1963 graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, visited the campus on March 3 to encourage and speak to students during Tuesday chapel.

Although Sherertz spent over 20 years as an educator in Texas, Colorado, and Virginia, his most recent work started at the age of 50 when he moved to New York and pursued his dream of becoming a professional actor and singer.  

During chapel Sherertz was accompanied by distinguished musician and long time friend Dr. Robert Gilbreth (’64) as he performed a handful of songs from a variety of Broadway shows. Together the pair delighted students, faculty, staff, and guests with such songs as “They Call the Wind Maria” and “Dream the Impossible Dream.”

Sherertz mixed humor and real-life experiences to tell the story of how HSU shaped him and set him on the path to success in all aspects of life. 

“My whole life has been a spiritual journey, and HSU provided me with professors that were sensitive to, and grounded in, their beliefs, and they were always willing to share,” said Sherertz.

Sherertz went on to encourage students to always seek help and trust in the Lord. 

“Trust that help will come…but maybe not in the way that you asked for it.”

In closing, Sherertz offered fond words for his alma mater saying, “I owe it all [his accomplishments] to the work I was able to do right here at HSU!”

Wallace Sherertz married Peggy Graham (’62) who together have three children, five grandchildren, and one great grandson.  Peggy is the daughter of Dr. George Graham, who served as Executive Vice President of HSU for 10 years and as interim President from 1962-1963.

About Michael Shelle 

Michael Shelle (a.k.a. Wally Sherertz) appeared in the international tour of Camelot, as Merlin, and other supporting roles, (starring Richard Harris); in the first national tour of Titanic; and in principal and supporting roles in regional and stock shows such as: Park Your Car in Harvard Yard; Beyond the Horizon; A Man for All Seasons; Our Town; Shenandoah (Charlie Anderson); The Most Happy Fella (Tony); South Pacific (Emile); Brigadoon; 1776; The Radio City Christmas Show (Myrtle Beach – Santa); Captains Courageous; Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye); and many others. In guest appearances on TV: 7th Heaven, Law and Order, The Guiding Light, All My Children, and on film in Kate and Leopold, starring Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman. 

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