Dean’s Greeting
We have had a wonderful year at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. It has certainly been a period of distinction for this great institution.
I would like to begin by conveying my sincere congratulations to you—Oberlin’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends—on receiving the National Medal of Arts. Your talent and dedication have earned this award for Oberlin, and I was honored to accept it from President Barack Obama on your behalf. The medal is rarely given to an institution; it is awarded only when the level of achievement and excellence is considered extraordinary. Indeed, when we think of Oberlin and its advancement of culture throughout many decades, it is a worthy choice. As President Obama presented me with the medal, he asked that I pass along his personal congratulations to “everyone on the team at Oberlin,” and it is my privilege to do so. Bravo on your fabulous work!
I am pleased to say that we have opened the Bertram and Judith Kohl Building, the premier facility of its kind anywhere in the world. While a grand opening is certainly cause for celebration, the paramount opportunity is the one our students and faculty will have in experiencing the full benefits of this endeavor. The Conservatory of Music will undergo a transformation with the introduction of this building, and I look forward to seeing our faculty and students advance their work in such a beautiful structure. In the next issue of the conservatory magazine, we will provide detailed coverage of the event. On behalf of everyone in our community, I extend my sincere gratitude to all of the individuals who have made this project possible.
The happiness experienced by our community with the opening of the Kohl Building has been tempered, however. Professor of African American Music Wendell Logan passed away on June 15, six weeks following the dedication concert and inauguration of our new home for jazz studies. This program, and the building that surrounds it, stand as a tribute to his courage, accomplishment, artistry, and humanity. His death is a tremendous loss to our community and to the world of music. His profound impact on our lives, and his work as an artist and teacher, will continue to influence generations of young musicians. His legacy will be a permanent inspiration for us all. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
David H. Stull
Dean of the Conservatory
Telephone: 440-775-8200
E-mail: David.Stull@oberlin.edu