Thursday, May 1, 2008

Ann Williams to receive prestigious honor from TWU

By Pegasus News wire

DENTON — Texas Woman’s University (TWU) will honor Ann Williams, the founder and artistic director of the world-renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre, with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Dance at spring commencement on May 10 (Saturday). The ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. in Pioneer Hall, Bell Avenue at University Drive, on the TWU Denton campus.

Ann Williams

Williams is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Dance and Related Arts from Texas Woman’s University. She is a TWU Distinguished Alumna, a former member of the university’s Board of Regents and the TWU Foundation, and a past president of the TWU Former Students Association. In September 2002, she was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame, and in April 2005 she was honored at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as a part of the Masters of African-American Choreography series. She also has been honored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“It is rare for TWU to award an honorary degree,” said Dr. Ann Stuart, TWU Chancellor and President. “Ann Williams has made profound contributions in the arts and is most deserving of this prestigious recognition – one of the highest commendations the university can confer on an individual. Her work embodies the mission of TWU, providing opportunities for students; advancing education in the arts and humanities; and serving this community and beyond. With an international reputation, Ann Williams continues to bring distinction and prominence to the university.”

Recipients of an honorary degree from TWU must demonstrate genuine achievement in an activity consonant with the university’s mission. Nominations are made by faculty, staff or members of the TWU Board of Regents, and an advisory committee reviews the nominations and makes a recommendation to the chancellor of the university.

“I am deeply honored to receive this Honorary Degree from Texas Woman’s University,” said Ann Williams. “When asked why I chose to continue my education at TWU in 1968, my response has always been, ‘because Texas Woman’s University has the best Dance Department in the United States.’ This statement still holds true today. TWU is tops if you want a career in Dance Education. The training I received at TWU was the beginning of my career ‘providing opportunities for students to receive dance training and to experience dance as a true art form.’”

Previous honorary degree recipients include: Nelda C. Stark, honorary doctor of laws degree (1957); Mary Gibbs Jones, honorary doctor of laws degree (1958); Edith Alderman Deen, honorary doctor of letters degree (1959); Lady Bird Johnson, honorary doctor of laws degree (1964); Marcella Perry, honorary doctor of laws degree (1976); Lucile Petry Leone, honorary doctor of laws degree (1979); Marie M. Clay, honorary doctor of humane letters degree (2003); Richard E. Wainerdi, honorary doctor of laws (2004); and Kaye Stripling, honorary doctor of humane letters degree (2005).

Source: TWU

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