University News

COFAC 2011 Recognizes DJ Alstadt and Al and Andrea Boyer

February 14, 2012

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University's College of Fine Arts and Communication has announced its 2011 alumnus and distinguished friends awards.

Naperville Central High School Band Director DJ Alstadt is being honored with the 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Al and Andrea Boyer have been named recipients of the 2011 COFAC Distinguished Friends Award.

Alstadt, a 1999 music education graduate, received the first WIU School of Music Distinguished Alumnus Award.

He was nominated for the COFAC award by WIU School of Music Professor Bruce Briney. Alstadt said he credits Briney and the education he received at WIU for his success.

At Naperville Central, Alstadt conducts and oversees the teaching of four concert bands, a marching band, three jazz bands and three jazz combos. He also teaches music theory and music appreciation.

In addition, Alstadt is the artistic director of Jazz for Illinois Ambassadors of Music and has traveled to Europe with this group.

During Alstadt's 10 years at Naperville Central, he has provided a roster of visiting musicians for students, including most of the WIU School of Music faculty. He is proactive in the creation of new music for his high school band and has been involved in a number of commissioning projects for new works.

Alstadt's high school bands have toured Europe, performed at the Illinois Music Educators All-State Convention and competed in Colorado and Kansas.

Alstadt was recently the focus of an article in "Drum Corp International Magazine" and was selected as one of the "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" in "School Band Orchestra National Magazine."

"DJ's support of the School of Music is exceptional," Briney said. "He has encouraged students to take part in and he has participated in many annual festivals and programs such as Honor Band, Jazz Festival, Summer Music Camps and Brassfest."

Al and Andrea Boyer
Al and Andrea Boyer are well known around Western.

Most people associate Al with the baseball stadium, which was named for him, and with the lights on Hanson Field. What many might not know is that Al and Andrea are supporters of the arts at WIU.

The Boyers have supported the Bureau of Cultural Affairs (BCA) by underwriting shows like "Annie" and "Sweeney Todd," and the receptions that followed many of the shows. They have also supported WIU's Summer Music Theatre and are long-time members and honorary directors of the Performing Arts Society (PAS).

The couple has supported PAS fundraising initiatives by donating the use of their homes in Hermosa Beach (CA) and Nauvoo (IL) for the PAS Gala Silent Auction, and they have made contributions to support the purchase of a theatre trip to Chicago for the Gala's auction.

The Boyers are also active PAS participants, traveling to Macomb for fundraising events and performances.

Al received his bachelor's of business degree from WIU in 1972, and has received numerous recognitions from Western throughout the years.

He has received the Distinguished Alumni Award, the College of Business and Technology Distinguished Alumni Award and the Accounting Outstanding Alumni Award. Al has served on the WIU Foundation Board and the President's Advisory Council and has been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions to athletics.

Al has worked for Price Waterhouse, Central Pacific Corporation, Industrial Equity Pacific Limited, a subsidiary of the Brierley Investment Group, and in 1995, Boyer and his business partner, Gary Wilson, developed the idea and provided the financial engineering plan for Chrysler Corporation's value maximization prior to merging with Daimler Benz of Germany, now Daimler-Chrysler.

"We are so pleased to recognize Al and Andrea for their contributions to the arts at WIU," said COFAC Interim Dean Sharon Evans. "Both Al and Andrea share their enthusiasm for the arts with everyone."

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