President L. Song Richardson recognized Susan Grace with the 2023 Collaboration and Community Building Presidential Award at the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Spring Conference on Jan. 27.
Named after Philosophy Professor Emeritus Jane Cauvel, this award is given to leaders on the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï campus who cultivate collaboration and build community. Grace was recognized as someone who embodies this spirit, both on the campus and throughout the community. She was acknowledged for her long career at ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï building and sustaining connections with other departments.
Beyond her tireless devotion to the Music Department, Grace was recognized for cultivating so many important connections with the Colorado Springs music and performance community. A member of her department since 1981, Grace has directed the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Summer Music Festival at ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï for more than 35 years, making it one of the top teaching music festivals in this country. She has put ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï on the map for the finest chamber and orchestra music for any summer festival.
Grace is the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Music Department's associate chair, artist in residence, and senior lecturer. She is also a member of the renowned piano duo Quattro Mani.
"There are few individuals at the college that have the tenacity and determination to sustain and build connections with the community both inside and outside of the college for so many years," said SMF assistant director Ann Van Horn, who was among Grace's nominators for the award. "I have always known about the year-around work the festival requires, but I have come to gain an even greater respect for Susan’s hard work for this festival, not only because it has grown and expanded, but because I see firsthand the work and devotion Susan simultaneously devotes to the Music Department and the whole college community while planning for one of the finest classical music festivals in Colorado."
Grace received the award along with April Scriven, manager of office operations services in the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Mail Center.
