Sinclair Named to Chair of Music
September 22, 2003
The
celebration of John Tiedtke's 96th birthday
included a surprise gift–an endowed faculty chair at
Rollins named in his honor. During a luncheon last week
hosted by the Bach Festival Society, President Bornstein
announced the establishment of the John M. Tiedtke Chair
of Music.
"What do you give a man who has
everything?" President Bornstein asked. She recognized
Tiedtke’s role as a champion for music in Central
Florida and acknowledged his service to Rollins since
1936, as a faculty member, administrator and
trustee. President Bornstein also cited the strong
connection Tiedtke has built between the College and the
Bach Festival. Tiedtke served as president of the Bach
Festival Society for 49 years before recently becoming
chairman.
The idea for an endowed chair in
music for Tiedtke came from the late Fred Rogers,
creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and his
wife, Joanne, both Rollins music alumni. Their kick-off
gift was followed by contributions from other friends
and admirers, and contributions are still being
accepted.
President Bornstein concluded the
surprise announcement by appointing Rollins professor of
music and Bach Festival music director and conductor
John Sinclair to the newly-created Tiedtke Chair. "An
endowed chair is the highest honor that can be bestowed
on a professor," she said. "It is a special pleasure to
recognize John's outstanding talents with a chair named
for one of Central Florida's greatest patrons of the
arts."
