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Shenandoah Magazine

The Official Publication of Shenandoah University

  • In This Issue
    • Shenandoah’s Top 10 of 2019
    • Conducting Dreams
    • Edifying Opportunities
    • Genuine Educators
    • Keeping Music in the Family
    • Making a Difference in Sri Lanka
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Conducting Dreams Wilkins ’78 conducts National Symphony Orchestra with Jennifer Hudson At Wolf Trap and earns Dreamer Award

By

On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, Thomas Wilkins ’78 conducted the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap in a special performance featuring Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.

Several members of the Shenandoah University community visited Wilkins at the performance, including Richard Helsley ’89 (Bachelor of Business Administration), Alumni Board of Directors President Susan Wyatt Helsley ’76, ’85 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Master of Music in Music Education), Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations Emily Burner ’16, D.Prof., (Doctor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership); President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.; Chip Connelly ’92 (Bachelor of Science in Arts Management), Judy Barefoot Connelly ’74 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education), Leslie Hughes Robertson ’74 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education), Charlotte Hickerson McKee ’76 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education) and David McKee ’76 (Bachelor of Music in Music Education).

Wolf Trap

Additionally, Wilkins was awarded the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Dreamer Award on Jan. 20, during a special concert celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Norfolk State University’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble. The award recognizes Hampton Roads citizens who embody characteristics of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Wilkins also served as a guest speaker for a lecture series and guest-conducted the Virginia Symphony Orchestra later that week during his homecoming trip. Wilkins currently serves as the music director of the Omaha Symphony.

This Issue’s Articles

top 10 2019 magazine header

Shenandoah’s Top 10 of 2019

It's that time of year. Check out what made this year so special at SU!

Matt Strosnider

Keeping Music in the Family

Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business graduate has become the new owner of Shenandoah Music

Thomas Wilkins ’78

Conducting Dreams

Wilkins ’78 conducts National Symphony Orchestra with Jennifer Hudson At Wolf Trap and earns Dreamer Award

Brett DeVore ’98 participates in international community service project.

Making a Difference in Sri Lanka

Occupational therapist Brett DeVore ’98 participates in an international community service project sparked by his longtime connection with the Boy Scouts of America.

Books featured image

Edifying Opportunities

Pharmacy alumnus David Merola ’18 talks about how his Shenandoah experience is supporting his current efforts as a Ph.D. student at Harvard University.

Genuine Educators Featured Image

Genuine Educators

Alumni are shaping the Staunton community through physical education.

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