Making Collin College All-Steinway A Capstone For Retiring President
As seen in the Winter 2015 edition of the Steinway Chronicle.
With the addition of 21 Steinway-designed pianos, Collin College holds a singular distinction for its outgoing president. "Achieving status as an All-Steinway School is a goal that I have been pursuing for more than five years," Dr. Cary Israel disclosed to The Steinway Chronicle. "Sometimes, you have to wait for great things!"
The only public college in Collin County with a network of campuses north of Dallas, Collin College affordably serves about 52,000 credit and continuing education students with 100 degree and certificate programs. Becoming an All-Steinway School reinforces Collin's commitment to excellence across a broad spectrum of disciplines, according to Mac Hendricks, the chair of the Board of Trustees.
Both agree the designation places Collin College in a leadership position for music education.
"It is important to our Board of Trustees that we offer quality academic programs and resources for our students," said Dr. Israel. "If we provide highly sophisticated technology for our award-winning healthcare program, we likewise must have top quality instruments for fine arts."
The Steinway affiliation marks an epilogue of sorts to a remarkable career for Dr. Israel, who steps down after more than 15 years as the longest-standing president in Collin's history. The school opened its doors in 1985 as Collin County Community College. Under his highly energetic tutelage, Collin received more than $30 million in grants while adding nearly one million square feet of learning space to its campus facilities. Enrollment increased by more than 22,000 since 1999 and Collin claims an awe-inspiring seven Carnegie Professors of the Year on its staff. Dr. Israel assures there is a sequel in the works. After spending some time with family, he plans on finding a new challenge to match his incredible passion and zest for life.
Benefitting from the expertise of Steinway Piano Gallery Dallas, Collin equipped its practice rooms, music studios, classrooms and performance venues with a mix of instruments including two Steinway Model D and three Model B grand pianos. Dr. Brian Allison, Professor of Music, senses a change in dynamics as the program enters an exciting new phase of development. "Faculty, administrators, and members of the community take great pride in this honor of being an All-Steinway School. However, the greatest benefit can be found in the excited faces of the students who can practice and perform on these instruments. Motivation to excel has risen to unprecedented levels as we continue to develop musical excellence and pursue enrichment in the lives of those who choose to study music at Collin College," he said.
