The Lee University School of Music 2018 Distinguished Alumna of the Year Darlia Conn, left, accepts her award from Dr. William Green, dean of the School of Music
Darlia Conn was awarded the Lee University School of Music 2018 Distinguished Alumna Award at the school’s Homecoming department breakfast.
“Mrs. Conn has made a lasting impact on the School of Music through her dedication to excellence in music education and performance,” said Dr. William Green, dean of Lee’s School of Music. “She is passionate about helping students succeed and realize their God-given potential.”
Mrs. Conn currently serves as adjunct faculty and accompanist for the School of Music. She has been on full-time or adjunct faculty in the school for more than 30 years. In addition to her contributions teaching, mentoring, and encouraging School of Music students, Mrs. Conn has been a major influence in arts advocacy in the Cleveland/Bradley County area and in Chattanooga, raising arts awareness and opportunities.
“Obviously, our institution has benefited from Mrs. Conn’s teaching and support, but our community has benefited by her continual giving of her time, energy and influence to build a robust artistic expression,” said Dr. Brad Moffett, professor of music. “The Presidential Concert Series, String Theory at the Hunter, and her service to many of the boards of artistic organizations through the years has made our community a better place to live.”
Mrs. Conn graduated from Lee College in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in piano performance and also holds a master’s degree in collaborative piano from the University of Tennessee.
“I’m not sure we can really quantify what her work at Lee and in the community has accomplished,” Dr. Moffett said. “So in the year we celebrated our 100th anniversary, I couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient.”