October 29, 2019
Frank Tracz receives honorary doctorate
Frank Tracz, director of bands, was awarded an honorary doctorate in music from Doane University, a private four-year liberal arts institution in Crete, Nebraska.
The degree was presented to Tracz at the Wind Ensemble Concert last Wednesday evening by Bill Pallett, current Doane University Board trustee member and retired president of The Individual Development and Educational Assessment Center; Eugene Klingler, emeritus Doane University Board trustee member and former Manhattan mayor; and Jay Gilbert, Doane University professor of music and director of bands. The following letter was read during the degree presentation.
"Dear Dr. Frank Tracz,
Doane University commends you on your amazing career, your many professional successes, and the positive influence you have had on bands and band music, throughout the United States and beyond. Your accomplishments are a testament to your aptitude, your attitude, and your perseverance. You have impacted countless students, faculty, and audiences throughout the world.
An important component of Doane’s mission is to “create distinctive educational experiences.” We believe you have made an important contribution to the success of our mission by freely sharing your time and talents with Doane students over the past 27 years. Since 1993, you have worked every year with our Bands – leading them in rehearsals, conducting them in concerts, and giving clinics to them about teaching and life. In 2014, you served as Doane’s Artist in Residence. Beyond Doane, you have also worked with dozens of Nebraska high schools, conducted the Nebraska All-State Band and the Nebraska Intercollegiate Band. These are just a few examples of your vital impact on our university, our community and our state. More importantly, you have served as an inspiration to students and directors, encouraging them to be great teachers and leaders, to tirelessly serve others, and to leave the world, better than you found it.
Therefore, it is with pleasure I inform you that, by the unanimous nomination of the Doane University Faculty, and with formal approval of our Board of Trustees, Doane University wishes to confer upon you an Honorary Doctorate in Music at our spring commencement ceremony in May."