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The College of Music Distinguished Alumni Award

Recognizing graduates who have made outstanding contributions to the music profession.

	Endea Owens 2023-24 BM (2015), Jazz Studies (bass) A Detroit-raised recording artist, bassist, and composer, Endea has become known for her unique instrumental command, her vibrant stage presence, and a dynamic bass technique that reveals rhythmic precision and emotional depth. She effortlessly guides her performances with a blend of tradition and innovation. After graduating from MSU, she completed graduate studies at The Juilliard School in 2018 and soon afterward joined The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as a member of the house band. She displays a true passion for philanthropy and teaching, notably creating her Community Cookout which provides free food and entertainment in communities both nationally and internationally.
	2022-23 Christian Hebel BM (1999), Music Performance (violin) Christian developed one of the most successful and diverse musical careers of modern times with a multi-genre portfolio career. He used his unique talents to become a major musical voice on Broadway, including 12 years as Concertmaster for the New York City production of Wicked. He went on to perform as a recitalist and guest soloist around the world, including as Concertmaster and soloist at some of the most prestigious venues. His mastery of the violin in both classical and popular music led him to frequent high-profile jobs in the worlds of popular music, Hollywood, Broadway, and television, and he has toured the world with rock and pop music icons.
	2021-22 Edward D. Anderson MM (1948), Music Education Ed was a widely recognized music educator and church musician in northern Colorado and throughout the Midwest. During a career extending over seven decades, he influenced the lives and careers of countless young people through his focus on music education generally and, more specifically, spiritual enrichment through sacred music innovation and performance. He spent 34 years at Colorado State University as the Director of Choral Activities, University Singers, and Chamber Singers. He founded two festivals and received CSU’s "Oliver Pennock Teaching Award for Distinguished Service." He was named by the Colorado chapter of the American Choral Directors Association a "Choral Music Legend."
	Not awarded in 2020-21.
	Not awarded in 2019-20.
	2018-19 Joe Zenas BA (1990), Music Chief executive officer of Thinkwell, a design and production agency headquartered in Los Angeles with offices and studios in Beijing, Abu Dhabi, Montréal, and Riyadh. A graduate of Music at MSU in 1990 with a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance and cognates in philosophy, computer science, and economics, Zenas has been instrumental in building Thinkwell’s reputation for masterfully dealing with some of the world’s most cherished brands and intellectual properties. Prior to joining Thinkwell, he spent four years with Universal Studios’ Creative Group as a producer and director of the Creative Studio where he oversaw the concept development of new shows and attractions for Universal’s properties around the world.
	2017-18 Bethany Beardslee BM (1946), Music Performance Having been referred to as “the young woman from East Lansing who could sing anything,” the soprano is noted for her collaborations with prominent mid-century composers. She was universally praised for her impeccably accurate performances, her singing defined by the effortless quality with which she sang seemingly impossible rhythms and phrases. Many contemporary composers regarded her as the go-to singer for their complex works that challenged classical music audiences.
	2016-17 Jennifer Heemstra BMUS (2000), Music Performance, with honors Professional pianist, entrepreneur and Rotarian, received the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad from John Kerry. She is the founder of the Kolkata Classics Trust in India and the Pitch Pipe Foundation 501(c)(3), which links great artists to great need. Heemstra also earned her Master of Music from The Cleveland Institute of Music.
	2015-16 James Roe BMUS (1989), Applied Music James Roe is an accomplished musician, arts administrator, and president and executive director of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York City. He has served as president and CEO of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, executive and artistic director of The Helicon Foundation, and as acting principal oboe of the NJSO. Roe earned his master’s from The Juilliard School.
	2014-15 Nancy Faber BMUS (1978), Music Theory and Composition Nancy Faber is a well-known composer of the bestselling Piano Adventures® method. She received the “Distinguished Composer of the Year” award from the Music Teachers National Association. Faber is revered for applying both her composing and business talents to create comprehensive materials for piano pedagogy in partnership with her spouse Randall. She studied at Michigan State University with Charles Ruggiero.
	2013-14 Robert Stroker BMUS (1984), Applied Music; PhD (1993), Music Education Stroker is the dean of Boyer College of Music and Dance and School of Theater and vice provost for the arts at Temple University. He also serves as dean of the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts.
	2012-13 Warrick Carter MM (1966), Music Education; PhD (1971) Music Education Carter, educator, composer, and performer, was president of Columbia College Chicago from 2000 to 2013. He held academic appointments at Berklee, Governors State, and Maryland before serving as the director of entertainment arts for Walt Disney Entertainment for four years.
	2011-12 Kathryn Brown BM (1984), Piano Performance Kathryn Brown is the associate head of the Piano Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She performs internationally as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist.
	2010-11 Janet Williams BM (1982), Vocal Performance and Music Education Janet Williams is a vocalist, educator, and author of Nail Your Next Audition: The Ultimate 30-Day Guide for Singers.
	2009-10 Anton E. Armstrong DMA (1987), Choral Conducting Anton Armstrong is the Harry R. and Thora H. Tosdal Professor of Music at St. Olaf College and conductor of the St. Olaf Choir.
	2008-09 H. Warren Henry PhD (1995), Music Education H. Warren Henry is the associate dean for academic affairs and former chair of music education at the University of North Texas.
	2008 Henry Butler MM (1974), Vocal Performance Henry Butler is a musician, composer, and jazz pianist.
	2007-08 William D. Brohn BM (1955), Music Theory William Brohn won a Tony Award in 1998 for Best Orchestration (Ragtime) and was nominated for the same award in 2002 for Sweet Smell of Success and in 2004 for Wicked.
	2004 Tage Larsen BM (1992), Trumpet Performance In 2002, Tage Larsen became the first African-American instrumentalist appointed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is currently on the trumpet faculty at the DePaul University School of Music.