The Division of Music in Samford University’s School of the Arts celebrated the talents of students and presented multiple awards and scholarships at the annual honors recital April 30 in Brock Recital Hall.
Newly named Associate Dean Eric L. Mathis presided over the evening, recognizing the reach of our students and saying farewell to three faculty members: Randall Richardson, Larry Hardin and Timothy Heath.
The longstanding tradition included performances by eight students and awards presented by faculty members Eric Mathis, Joseph Hopkins, Sharon Lawhon, Joel Davis, Jeffrey Flaniken, Captain Brian O. Walden, Jovanni-Rey de Pedro and Emily Andrews. Student performers included Mary Kathryn Parrott, Samuel Robertson, Kristen Porter, Olivia Jones, W. F. Smith Leithart, Chloe Smith, Mary Rudd and Morgan Kline.
Outstanding Student of the Year Award recipients were Edward Lee Garner, freshman; Michael Lansford Whitner, sophomore; Kylee K. Berggren, junior; Cole Robert Arn, senior; Matthew Daniel Watson, graduate studies. These students were selected on the basis of total contribution, including spirit, work ethic and collegiality.
Awards included scholarships provided by donors in attendance.
Receiving two awards, junior Annesley Streets was honored with the Shepherd Walker Award and for the third year, the Howard Weldon Smith Violin Scholarship Award.
Junior Madison Hablas received the Eva Clapp White Memorial Voice Scholarship Award established by Paul Gaston White.
Junior Kerry Joiner received the Northrup Instrumental Performance Award and Scholar Award. Junior Caleb Phillips received the Northrup Keyboard Performance Award. All three awards were established by Samford Arts patrons Jeff and Lori Northup to honor students representing the highest standard of musical performance.
Phillips also received the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award. This award is presented to an outstanding student majoring in music at the end of the student’s junior year.
Music and worship major Kevin Alan James received the Barbara Stevens Price Church Music Scholarship Award. Established by former Samford School of the Arts dean Milburn Price, the award honors a church music major who has demonstrated outstanding progress in music studies in both academic and performance areas.
Freshman Pierce Jay Moffett received the Robert B. Hatfield Scholarship for Excellence in Music Ministry. The award was established to provide scholarship assistance for currently enrolled Samford School of the Arts Division of Music students studying music and worship.
Junior music and worship major Nathan Peace received the Eric L. Mathis Endowed Organ Scholarship Award. The award was established by John M. George in honor of Samford music Associate Dean Eric Mathis, who served as the organist at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham for eight years. This scholarship award is based upon academic standing, organ proficiency, financial need, and overall character.
The music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda also inducted its newest members at the event: Cole Robert Arn, Sarah Allison Harbaugh, Olivia Frances Jones, W.F. Smith Leithart, Chloe Hannon Smith, Anna Katherine Taylor, Matthew James Grauberger, and Chanse A. Nelson
The evening concluded with a reception in Boren Courtyard. Recognition was given to Patty McDonald who was not able to attend for sponsoring this event.