Chancellor honored with 'Uncommon Women'
October 5, 2005
KOKOMO, Ind.—The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will honor Indiana University Kokomo Chancellor Ruth Person and three other area residents as “Uncommon Women in Kokomo” during a concert Saturday, October 8.
Michelle Louer will conduct the 7:30 p.m. performance in Havens Auditorium on the IU Kokomo campus. The concert opens with three Fanfares for Uncommon Women, composed by Joan Tower in tribute “to women who are adventurous and take risks.”
According to Kokomo Symphonic Society vice president Dr. Marilyn Skinner, the music honors the accomplishments of Chancellor Person, Kim Van Skyock, Lorene Sandifur, and Susannah B. Hough.
Chancellor of IU Kokomo since 2000, Ruth Person “has been a leader in the field of higher education, known for her inclusive, collaborative leadership style,” Skinner said. Person serves on many national higher education organization boards, Skinner noted, and holds the respect of IU President Adam Herbert and the leaders of other IU campuses. “I've seen Chancellor Person help students on campus by giving directions or assistance with a problem,” Skinner said. “She has been active in the community serving on a variety of committees.”
Susannah Hough is the first Life Time member of the Kokomo Symphonic Society. Hough is endowing the first viola chair in the orchestra in memory of her husband. She will match additional contributions up to a total of $10,000.
Lorene Sandifur heads the Kokomo High School math department. A long-time advocate for smoke-free environments, she has been featured in several national television ads, telling of her husband's death from cancer.
Kim Van Skyock is director of the Kokomo Senior Citizens Center and recreation manager for the City of Kokomo Parks Department. Van Skyock was instrumental is working with symphony members to develop the August Symphony in the Park concert.
Tickets for the October 8 concert range from $12–18 for adults and $10–18 for students and senior citizens. In addition to Fanfares for Uncommon Women, the program will include Symphony No. 9 (New World Symphony) by Antonin Dvorák and Concerto in C Major by Franz Joseph Haydn. Vladimir Zuckerman will perform as principle cellist for the concerto.
Tickets will be on sale at the Havens Auditorium box office from Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.; as well as Friday, 7:30–9 p.m., and one hour before the Saturday evening performance.
