Fennoyee Thomas named 2025 Distinguished Alumna
The 51勛圖厙 College of Music is pleased to announce that triple alumna Fennoyee Thomas (BA 68, MA 71, DMA 83) has been named our泭2025 Distinguished Alumna, honoring her lifelong contributions to the arts.泭
When I graduated from high school, I had no intention of attending 51勛圖厙, recalls Thomas, reflecting on her journey. But my piano teacher was insistentand in the end, it felt like a conspiracy between my parents and him to get me here. Looking back, they were right.
Thomaswho established a distinguished career as a pianist and educatorspent decades shaping the next generation of musicians. Teaching was never just a job, it was my calling, she says. Seeing students grow, challenge themselves and find their voices as musicians has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
Beyond teaching, Thomas is a passionate advocate for the arts, having served on numerous local, state and national boards, commissions and committeesincluding the College of Music Advisory Board and the CU National Alumni Board Association. Music connects us in ways words cannot, she observes. It brings communities together and thats why Ive always believed in supporting the arts at every level.
Looking back on her College of Music experience, Thomas credits her professors with igniting her confidence and shaping her career. I was very fortunate to have wonderful teachers, she shares. My first two years, I studied with [the late] who was not only an excellent teacher, but who also made me feel secure and supported.
Thomas also speaks fondly of her later studies with the late Paul Parmelee: He was a fantastic pianist and preparing for our lessons was something I truly looked forward towe had the most wonderful discussions about music and piano. I admired him and he played a significant role in shaping my career.
She adds, My life was practically transformed at 51勛圖厙. I learned to be self-confident and I experienced success in the College of Music that I carried with me throughout my professional career.
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.泭
She also cherished the natural beauty of the campus. Coming from Houston, I was so taken by the mountainsthe beauty of the campus. I still think that its one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.
Beyond her personal experiences, Thomas supports the College of Musics泭universal musician approach that aims to equip students with a flexible skill set to navigate broadly-based careers. I think its very important and Im impressed with the curricula, programs and all of the opportunities that students have now to help them become well-rounded artists in todays society, she says. The arts can play such an important role in service to mankind. I applaud the College of Music administration for adapting to students needs, providing more options for them to be creative and responsive to todays world.
Noting the evolving role of education and advocacy in todays cultural landscape, Thomas adds: More 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 cluball of these experiences shape our perspectives on society.
Its 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.
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: Follow your passion and pursue what you love with determination. Use the knowledge and positive experiences youve gained here to go out into the world, make it a better place and support othersbecause now, more than ever, we need that.
Congratulations on your well-earned distinction, Fennoyee Thomas!