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The College of Music is proud to recognize the legacy of our alumni! Every year, we honor one or two outstanding established or emerging trailblazers from among our global alumni community;听we encourage you to nominate fellow Music Buffs by submitting this form.
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Fennoyee Thomas named 2025 Distinguished Alumna

The 麻豆影院 College of Music is pleased to announce that triple alumna Fennoyee Thomas (BA 鈥68, MA 鈥71, DMA 鈥83) has been named our听2025 Distinguished Alumna, honoring her lifelong contributions to the arts.
鈥淲hen I graduated from high school, I had no intention of attending CU 麻豆影院,鈥 recalls Thomas, reflecting on her journey. 鈥淏ut my piano teacher was insistent鈥攁nd in the end, it felt like a conspiracy between my parents and him to get me here. Looking back, they were right.鈥
Thomas鈥攚ho established a distinguished career as a pianist and educator鈥攕pent decades shaping the next generation of musicians. 鈥淭eaching was never just a job, it was my calling,鈥 she says. 鈥淪eeing students grow, challenge themselves and find their voices as musicians has been one of the greatest joys of my life.鈥
Beyond teaching, Thomas is a passionate advocate for the arts, having served on numerous local, state and national boards, commissions and committees鈥攊ncluding the College of Music Advisory Board and the CU National Alumni Board Association. 鈥淢usic connects us in ways words cannot,鈥 she observes. 鈥淚t brings communities together and that鈥檚 why I鈥檝e always believed in supporting the arts at every level.鈥
Looking back on her College of Music experience, Thomas credits her professors with igniting her confidence and shaping her career. 鈥淚 was very fortunate to have wonderful teachers,鈥 she shares. 鈥淢y first two years, I studied with [the late] who was not only an excellent teacher, but who also made me feel secure and supported.鈥
Thomas also speaks fondly of her later studies with the late Paul Parmelee: 鈥淗e was a fantastic pianist and preparing for our lessons was something I truly looked forward to鈥攚e had the most wonderful discussions about music and piano. I admired him and he played a significant role in shaping my career.鈥
She adds, 鈥淢y life was practically transformed at CU 麻豆影院. I learned to be self-confident and I experienced success in the College of Music that I carried with me throughout my professional career.鈥
As a student, Thomas was the recipient of the Theodore Pressler Piano Performance Award and represented our College of Music at its NASM Evaluation/Accreditation student concert.
She also cherished the natural beauty of the campus. 鈥淐oming from Houston, I was so taken by the mountains鈥攖he beauty of the campus. I still think that it鈥檚 one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.鈥
Beyond her personal experiences, Thomas supports the College of Music鈥檚听universal musician approach that aims to equip students with a flexible skill set to navigate broadly-based careers. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 very important and I鈥檓 impressed with the curricula, programs and all of the opportunities that students have now to help them become well-rounded artists in today鈥檚 society,鈥 she says. 鈥淭he arts can play such an important role in service to mankind. I applaud the College of Music administration for adapting to students鈥 needs, providing more options for them to be creative and responsive to today鈥檚 world.鈥
Noting the evolving role of education and advocacy in today鈥檚 cultural landscape, Thomas adds: 鈥淢ore people are beginning to appreciate the arts as essential to our humanity and how we relate to each other. From attending concerts and visiting museums to attending lectures, listening to poetry or even joining a book club鈥攁ll of these experiences shape our perspectives on society.
鈥淚t鈥檚 encouraging to see so many patrons supporting the arts. Their dedication makes a difference, and it reassures me that the arts will continue to thrive and impact future generations.鈥
Although retired from her role as professor of music and associate dean at Texas Southern University, Thomas remains active as an arts advocate and mentor to young musicians. She offers this advice to future students: 鈥淔ollow your passion and pursue what you love with determination. Use the knowledge and positive experiences you鈥檝e gained here to go out into the world, make it a better place and support others鈥攂ecause now, more than ever, we need that.鈥
Congratulations on your well-earned distinction, Fennoyee Thomas!
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