Carol Evans Receives Distinguished Faculty Award for Service
Carol Evans, MMus, Assistant Professor of Music & Program Director of The Voices of Gwynedd will be honored with the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Award for Service at this year’s Honors Convocation Ceremony.
Carol Evans, MMus has been a beloved colleague in the School of Arts and Sciences for the past 31 years. As Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the Voices of Gwynedd, Carol almost single-handedly enlivens the campus with cultural events throughout the year. She creates two major concerts—Carol Nights and the Spring Musicale—and she and the Voices of Gwynedd perform for many University events and special occasions.
Carol and the Voices of Gwynedd have also traveled to destinations within the United States and around the world, sharing their gift of music and serving as ambassadors for the University wherever they go. Although the Voices of Gwynedd have traveled to international destinations including Ireland, Spain, and France, they are best known in the Philadelphia area, where they have performed the national anthem numerous times for the Phillies and, most notably, for their performances at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure each May since 2002. It is common to hear from members of the audience after each event about how moved they are by the performance, and VOG members often comment on the impact Carol has not only on their musical skill but also on them personally. As one colleague noted, “Carol keeps the arts alive at GMercyU, leading the Voices of Gwynedd with her light, passion, and immense talent. We are truly fortunate to have Carol infuse our campus with the joy she brings through music and teaching. Carol is an enduring pillar of our University community, constantly developing a powerful legacy that will live far into the future.”
In addition to her directing duties, Carol teaches a wide range of popular courses, from Music Appreciation and Music Therapy to From Bach to Broadway. She also created a Signature Seminar titled, Divas of Music: From Bingen to Beyonce, and an Honors Program course titled, World Music. Her excellence in teaching earned her the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2000.
Although her teaching and directing duties would keep her busy enough, Carol has served on many faculty standing committees and University committees, and she has chaired several of them, including Faculty Council. When Carol is not on campus, she is active in her church and community. She is also the devoted wife and collaborator to Leslie, and the very proud mother of Aryssa.
When asked to describe Carol, one colleague stated that she “is the embodiment of music and Mercy at this University. She brings joy, compassion, and empathy to all she does, whether it is leading the Voices of Gwynedd, teaching students, or interacting with colleagues.” Another colleague stated, “Carol’s energy and enthusiasm is a true gift. Her spirit pulls people in and makes each of us feel more deeply connected to the campus community. She is truly the ‘voice’ of Gwynedd, and we are fortunate to have her.”
Other colleagues commented that Carol “truly exemplifies Mercy! To Carol, GMercyU is more than just a job, and she has created a sense of community for 30 years through her music and her dedication to Mercy.”
One final comment summarizes Carol’s alignment with our Mercy values and her impact of the entire campus community:
“Catherine McAuley once stated we should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us. Carol embodies this sentiment. Whether she is directing the choir, inspiring her students, or interacting with her church community or her colleagues on campus, Carol's warm personality and exuberance for life awakens the spirit of Catherine. I have seen firsthand how she develops a sense of family among the members of the Voices of Gwynedd. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members come to know and care about each other. That is clearly influenced and modeled by Carol for all.”