The Eastman School of Music 81st annual commencement ceremony for undergraduate and master’s degree students will begin at 11:15 a.m., Sunday, May 21 at the Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. (The doctoral commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 20.) More than 200 students will receive their degrees.
Commencement Speaker
Alan “Buz” Kohan has been active in the television, music and entertainment industry for more than 40 years as a writer, composer, lyricist, producer, arranger and creative consultant. He will return to his alma mater to address the School’s graduating class of 2006 during the commencement ceremony.
Kohan received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees at Eastman in 1955 and 1956 with a major in Composition.
The Eastman Luminary Award
The 2006 commencement marks the first presentation of the Eastman Luminary Award. This new award will be given by the Eastman School of Music to individuals who have not only given extraordinary service to music and the arts at the national level, but who have also worked to support the arts at the community level.
For her many years of outstanding work with the Congressional Arts Caucus, and for her support of music and the arts on the national, state, and local levels, the Eastman School will present Congresswoman Louise Slaughter with the first Eastman Luminary Award.
The Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester educates talented musicians from around the world who become leaders and innovators in all fields of music. Established in 1921 by Eastman Kodak Company founder and visionary George Eastman, the School has achieved international prominence through its commitment to the highest standards of artistry, scholarship, and leadership.