Award Nomination Letter by Carrie Solomon Schultz

July 1, 2006

From: Carrie Solomon Schultz

RE: Cornell Runestad Award

This is a letter of recommendation to nominate retired UNL Professor
Ray Miller for the Cornell Runestad Award.

I have known Ray for 36 years; as a student, fellow musician, teaching colleague, and as a mentor and friend. As student at UNL in the ‘70’s, Ray was always a cheerful, friendly and an encouraging teacher. He believed in my singing abilities and would feature me with the Men’s Glee and asked me to assist with several of his groups, such as the Scarlet & Cream Singers. Ray loved to see his students excel in the professional world and would arrange auditions when guest choral conductors or talent scouts were in the area. If it were not for Ray, I would have never had 10 years as a professional actress and musician.

There are many talented choral directors in the state of Nebraska, and each has his/her own unique talents that they bring to the podium. The thing that set Ray apart is his genuine love for his “kids” and the absolute pride he took in each individual. I think of Ray as a great big teddy bear that you just want to hug because he is so down to earth and always made himself so accessible to everyone.

Over the years I have seen his students come back time and time again to thank him for all he did for them. They came to thank him for his love, his devotion, and ALWAYS, his positive encouragement.

Ray DID make his mark has a promoter of “popular” music, when that was not the popular thing to do, and the easiest stand to take. But Ray believed that if students were to become good teachers or seek a professional career, they needed to be able to understand and perform all styles of music. I know there were times when he really had to stand his ground. But Ray has the type of friendly personality that gets along with all people, and he was respected by all colleagues.

I know how honored Ray would be to receive this award. I hope you will consider him for this honor because of his contributions as an outstanding choral educator.

Respectfully,

Carrie Solomon Schultz

Go to the next letter:
Award Recommendation Letter by Mike Zeleny

If you have suggestions for The Miller Fandamily Web Site,
OR contributions to the photo gallery!
please Email WebMistress Chas!
c-d-miller@neb.rr.com
That’s: c-d-miller@neb.rr.com –
those are hyphens/dashes (-) between the “c” and “d” and “miller”