About us

Running to Harvard is the untold true story of Dolphus and Tandy Stroud, scholar-athletes born from a legacy that rose from a Texas plantation. This documentary aims to inspire and educate by showcasing the struggles and victories of these remarkable individuals. Meet our dedicated team who has poured their heart and soul into this production:

Frank Shines-Stroud – Producer
A proud descendant of the Stroud family, Frank is the brainchild behind this documentary. As the great-nephew of Dolphus Stroud, he is deeply invested in bringing the lesser-known struggles and achievements of his ancestors to the world.

Ralph-Michael Giordano – Executive Director
Ralph is a seasoned film industry professional with over three decades of experience in Colorado Springs. He is an NYU Tisch School of the Arts graduate and Owner/Operator of ArchAngel Productions, LLC. With a broad portfolio of successful short films and active roles in several film festivals and councils, Ralph’s passion lies in promoting film and video production in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

Ajellon (AJ) DeDeaux – Marketing, Research Assistant and Lyricist
AJ is another Stroud family descendant contributing to the project. A skilled marketing professional with experience in sales, songwriting, and promotion, he is also the co-author of ‘The New Science of Success’. Currently, AJ is on the cutting edge of AI Machine Learning, working with large language models like ChatGPT to advance education and creativity.

Mike Pach – Assistant Director, Historical Research, Photographer
As the owner of 3 Peaks Photography & Design, Mike is a celebrated photographer with over 35 years of experience. His mission to create unforgettable experiences and practical skills in photography is reflected in his workshops. Mike brings his extensive experience and eye for detail to the project, assisting in historical research and providing exceptional photography.

Kyle (Ky) Hanchett – Cinematographer
Based in Colorado, Ky Hanchett has been immersed in the world of film and video content creation for over two decades. He has worked with an array of prestigious clients, from the U.S. Air Force and Army to corporate giants like Charles Schwab. His wealth of experience and passion for storytelling is invaluable to the production of ‘Running to Harvard’.

Running to Harvard paints a vivid picture of perseverance, strength, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence, brought to life by a dedicated team committed to sharing the inspiring story of Dolphus and Tandy Stroud.