UW-Whitewater wins Gaarder Award for 11th time

October 01, 2008

In the 20-year history of the Richard G. Gaarder Award, no other university in Wisconsin has won the award more times than the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 2008 marks the 11th time that a senior music education major from UW-Whitewater has been honored. Kristen Baus of Fond du Lac is this year’s winner.

"UW-Whitewater students have won this award more often than any other university in the state," Dean of the College of Arts and Communication Richard Haven said. "Simply put, we have the best Music Education program in the state of Wisconsin."

"I am very honored to have received this award," Baus said. "However, I would have never been able to achieve such great things without the guidance and leadership of all of my teachers. I hope to one day do the same for students that enter my classroom."

The award is named after Richard G. Gaarder who provided leadership in music education in Wisconsin for more than 20 years. Upon his retirement, the Wisconsin Music Educator's Association established an annual award in his name to commemorate his outstanding service. This award is presented each year to an undergraduate music education major that has evidenced exceptional leadership, musical excellence and service to the campus and community.

"Every once in awhile in this profession you have the blessing of working with a future colleague who you know, at your very core, is going to have an absolutely astounding impact on hundreds of lives through music education," Music Professor Glenn Hayes said. "You know that this person’s passion for the art form and compassion for people have no boundaries."

"Kristen Baus exemplifies the very best in artistry, leadership, and commitment," Music Professor Christian Ellenwood said. "Her musicianship is outstanding."