Dr. Bruce Kotowich, interim director of the School of Creative Arts, has served — or rather performed — as Santa for more than four decades. (PHOTO BY KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
Faculty and staff who attended the recent holiday gathering luncheon encountered a familiar, unmistakable and booming voice recognizable in sound alone — that of their colleague and friend, Dr. Bruce Kotowich, interim director of the School of Creative Arts.
So then, they would be excused for being a little surprised when what to their wondering eyes did appear, a white bearded man in a familiar red suit — Santa Claus… ol’ jolly St. Nick.
In addition to his UWindsor roles including choral conductor and educator, Kotowich has also served — or rather performed — as Santa for more than four decades.
“There is something about becoming part of someone’s memories,” reflects Kotowich.
“The moment I stepped onto the set and greeted a child, something clicked. I wasn’t Bruce… in their eyes, I was Santa.”
Kotowich’s Santa journey began in Winnipeg when he was a university stage theatre student.
A classmate who worked as the Santa at the downtown Hudson’s Bay store needed a substitute so he could film a commercial that would complete his union card.
Kotowich initially resisted.
“I told him ‘I’m a serious performer. I’m not a clown and don’t do silly things.’”
But the importance of helping a friend convinced him to do it… just this once.
The magic was immediate and powerful.
Families lit up, children gazed with a mix of awe and total belief and even adults softened into their childhood selves.
“The image of Santa is iconic,” he said.
“There’s a trust, a comfort, a sense of joy and a sense of safety.”
Though many know Kotowich best as a conductor and educator, his Santa persona has developed alongside his academic and artistic life.
While pursuing graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati’s renowned College–Conservatory of Music, a colleague stumbled upon the Santa suit hanging in his home and joyfully reported it to his advisor.
Kotowich soon found himself auditioning in full Santa attire for the Conservatory’s director who immediately recognized both the character potential and Kotowich’s performance tools. Before long, he was collaborating with the university’s theatre department, receiving coaching in movement, makeup and character development.
Kotowich has performed as Santa at major events across North America, including international broadcasts during the COVID-19 lockdowns meant to reassure global audiences that Christmas would still come.
He now teaches at Santa schools, helping other performers understand not only the tradition’s history but also the vocal health, stage presence and character research required for the role.
“Researching your character is the academic side that supports your performance,” he said.
“But the motivation, the fuel… that comes from the spark that hits you the very first time you do it.”
Despite his international experience, Kotowich is intentional about when and where Santa appears at UWindsor. The student end-of-term breakfast, he shared, is especially meaningful. Many students, particularly international students, have never taken a photo with Santa before.
“They just want to experience the culture of it,” he said.
For faculty and staff, the impact was equally profound. The festive figure in red and white has a way of instantly lowering shoulders and raising spirits.
Kotowich has watched colleagues melt with pure, childlike joy. Tables beckon him over and conversations turn warm and nostalgic as the room fills with the unique energy that only Koto... Santa can bring.
For those hoping to encounter Santa Bruce beyond campus events, Kotowich points to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concerts, visiting towns across the county in support of local charities.
“Santa’s been known to stop by,” he laughed.
What message of positivity does the man who knows if you’ve been bad or good (so be good for goodness sake) have for the campus community to ensure we’ll receive all that we’ve asked for under the tree this year?
“We have to be kind to each other,” he said.
“The world continues to face challenges, and kindness paired with trust, collaboration and patience is essential. We are all trying to get to the same place.”
As UWindsor heads into the holidays, Kotowich’s presence both as director and Mr. Claus, reminds us of the power of joy, generosity and shared celebration.
And for at least a few magical moments each December, our campus gets its very own connection to the North Pole.