By Gabriel Ruiz – This year’s CODA Award recognized Paul Adamson, Kathryn March, and bill russell during the Homecoming Concert on October 11, 2024.
Hosted by Dean of Visual and Performing Arts Heath Weber, these individuals were celebrated for their achievements and impact within the arts field.
This marks the second year that the CODA (Culmination of Outstanding and Distinguished Achievement) Awards have been hosted at the Homecoming Concert; previously they had been held at a private Sunday luncheon.
Featured performances at the event included the Morningside Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Christopher Brandt; The Morningside Choir, conducted by Dr. Ryan Person; and M Avenue Jazz, directed by Dr. Erik Mahon.
Paul Adamson was recognized for his 50 years of teaching art in a range of educational environments across Northwest Iowa. His working experience ranges from seventh grade art and head art teacher at East High, to adjunct art instructor at Morningside, teaching adult ceramic classes.
Dr. Kathryn Lucas March was awarded for her 39 standing years of teaching music at Morningside University, as well as the myriad of music disciplines she’s taught, including piano, sight singing, ear training, music theory, and music history. March was a founding member of the music program at Western Iowa Tech and has been running her own private studio of pianists since 1986.
bill russell, awarded for his contributions to Musical Theatre, is an internationally produced musical author. russell has produced and directed several musicals and was nominated for the Tony Awards for book and lyric of the musical Side Show, which was featured on Broadway and performed both inside and outside the country.
Speaking to the significance of the arts at Morningside, host Heath Weber stated, “For over 125 years, Morningside has been a stalwart in the arts. From the early days of Leo Kucinski and Paul MacCollin, to our current faculty, full of energy and excitement, we are leaders and innovators in art, music and theater.”
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