1975 Distinguished Service Citation

Music lovers throughout the world have praised the imaginative, energetic, and innovative performances you have staged as a prominent young conductor and musical director. Buoyed by Beloit’s enthusiasm and respect for the humanities, you lifted the Jackson (Miss.) Symphony to metropolitan status while tripling its size and boosting its budget nearly tenfold the past decade. Trained by international masters of the baton, you also have given concerts coordinated with opera and ballet groups and initiated an extensive school-strings program. Recipient of the master’s degree from Vandercook College, founder-conductor of the Beloit Symphony and former faculty member here, artist-award program advisor, Belhaven College instructor, and popular guest conductor: you were the logical choice for the first Orpheus Achievement Award of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia – the nation’s largest, most prestigious music fraternity – for significant and lasting contributions to the cause of music. Beloit College proudly awards you this citation in acknowledgement of your outstanding achievements and the artistic pleasure you have brought to so many.