The College Orchestra Directors Association has recognized University of Mary Washington President Richard V. Hurley for his support of the university’s collegiate orchestra program. UMW Philharmonic Director Kevin P. Bartram presented Hurley with the national award during the orchestra’s “March Musical Mix” concert on Saturday, March 17.
The College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) is the largest professional organization of collegiate orchestra conductors across the country. The award honors individuals within member colleges and universities who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of college and university orchestras.
National CODA President Anthony Holland said that Hurley “surpasses expectations as a supporter of the Arts and of his community. It is apparent that President Hurley has demonstrated extraordinary faith in the ability of the UMW Philharmonic to promote the institution as a community partner. He sets an example for all of us.”
The honor, given every two years at the association’s national conference, is the organization’s most significant award. Past recipients have included major financial donors, presidents of institutions, board chairs, department heads and fellow college, university and community musicians.
Bartram nominated Hurley for his extraordinary support of the orchestra program.
“Not only does he attend concerts, but he has continually recognized the program in public and in private to alumni and to perspective donors,” Bartram wrote in his letter to the nominating committee. “Community minded, he has also supported the Philharmonic’s annual July 4 concerts, and its upcoming PBS television special “A Down Home Christmas.”
Alex Jiménez, CODA’s national past-president described the award as a “collective ‘thank you’ from nearly 150 college and university orchestra conductors from throughout the United States to those who have done so much to support our programs.”
UMW’s ninth president, Hurley was inaugurated in September, 2011, after more than three decades in higher education. At UMW for 11 years, he has twice served as acting president, as well as vice president and UMW’s chief financial officer. Active in the Fredericksburg community, Hurley established the Town and Gown Committee, which has strengthened the university’s relationships with the Fredericksburg area community. He serves as a director of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the board of the Rappahannock United Way, the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance and Virginia Partners Bank.
