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Pictured, from left, is Mark Corey, ILMEA president-elect; Christine Lapka; Deb Shofner, ILMEA president and Roseanne Rosenthal, ILMEA past president.
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Pictured, from left, is Mark Corey, ILMEA president-elect; Brett Goad; Deb Shofner, ILMEA president and Roseanne Rosenthal, ILMEA past president.
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WIU Music Professor, Alum Honored by State Association

January 30, 2014

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MACOMB, IL – A Western Illinois University professor and a School of Music alumnus have been awarded the Mary Hoffman Award of Excellence from the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA).

The award, presented to music Professor Christine Lapka and alumnus R. Brett Goad, was given during the recent ILMEA conference and recognizes teaching excellence in music educators who have taught for at least 10 years at any level.

Lapka has served the state of Illinois as the ILMEA Learners With Special Needs Special Area Chair. She was nominated for the award by one of her former students, Jennifer Wetzel-Thomas and WIU Assistant Professor Richard Cangro, who called her a "role model for all educators at all levels."

"Dr. Lapka influences me by leading by example, displaying excellence and demonstrating characteristics of an outstanding music educator," said Cangro. "She inspires me to become something great."

Goad, the director of the University Chorus at Northern Illinois University, received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in music from WIU in 1974 and 1976 respectively. He has influenced numerous music programs across the state and served as an ILMEA district choral representative.

He was nominated for the award by NIU Associate Professor Mary Lynn Doherty, who praised Goad for sharing his heart and soul with everyone he comes in contact with.

"He brings out the best in others and always puts his whole self into whatever he does," she said.

For more information on the WIU music programs, visit wiu.edu/music.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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