UAF’s Dr. Jaunelle Celaire receives the 2024 Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence

August 23, 2024

 The University of Alaska Foundation Board of Directors has awarded the 2024 Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence to Dr. Jaunelle Celaire, UAF professor of voice. 

Originally from Canada, Dr. Celaire has spent over 21 years as an educator with the UAF Music Department and is the Steve and Cynthia Holmberg Choral Director Endowed Chair. A teacher, soloist, conductor and performer, Dr. Celaire is internationally known and has performed everything from cabaret and music theatre, to solo recitals and opera.

“Each year, the Board of Directors receives many well-deserving nominations for the Bullock prize. We are honored to have the opportunity to learn about each candidate’s unique area of expertise and influence,” said Meg Nordale, chair of the UA Foundation Board of Directors. “Dr. Celaire stands out as a very inspiring and talented professor. She is a professional musician who seeks to creatively bring the knowledge and joy of music to her students and many others.”

“UAF is proud of the professional accomplishments that Dr. Celaire brings to the Department of Music. Her talents as an educator and performer have impacted generations of students, many of whom now serve as professionals and leaders in music across the nation,” said UAF Chancellor Dan White.

Former student Connie Oba further emphasized, “Dr. Celaire's commitment to her students’ success is evident when considering where some of her former students are now. Her students have become professional singers in opera companies, landed internships in summer opera programs, and have become teachers themselves.”

While deeply dedicated to her students and her department, Dr. Celaire has fostered a culture of musical collaboration across the university system and statewide. She has been instrumental in bringing musical experiences to a wide range of audiences. Some of her many contributions and accomplishments include:  

  • Co-wrote a grant for a first-time opera workshop collaboration between UAA Opera Ensemble and UAF Opera Workshop, which resulted in a concert called “An Evening of Mozart.”
  • Coordinated with the UAF director of athletics to organize UAF music students to sing the National Anthem at every Nanook sporting event.
  • Implemented performance practice for singers through UAF Summer Sessions.
  • During the initial stages of the pandemic, created a way to share Christmas carols, sung by UAF students, with senior citizen’s nationwide.
  • Recipient of the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award in 2020.
  • Connects UAF’s music department to music education in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, organizing joint concerts with local high schools, recitals with music teachers, and she has arranged for UAF students to join with other schools for performances and demonstrations.
  • Writes and composes an original song every year to help with KUAC’s Fall Fundraiser.
  • Competes and adjudicates in many national and international voice competitions.
  • Directed the voice and choir program for the UAF Summer Music Academy (an intensive two-week music program for children grades 6-12) for the past 20 years, also serving as the director of SMA for the past 10 years.

The Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence is the largest single award made annually by the University of Alaska Foundation’s Board of Directors. Each year, nominations may include any student, faculty, alumni, staff member, or volunteer that has demonstrated excellence and has made a significant contribution to further the university’s mission. 

The prize was established in 1989 through a generous donation from the late Edith R. Bullock, who served the university for 30 years as a member of the UA Board of Regents and the UA Foundation Board of Directors. Because of Bullock’s generosity, recipients are awarded $20,000.  More information about the prize and the past recipients is available at: https://www.alaska.edu/foundation/about/awards.php. 

The University of Alaska Foundation is an independent, nonprofit corporation established in 1974 to work in partnership with Alaska’s three universities to seek, secure and steward philanthropic support. For more information on the foundation and how to contribute, please visit www.alaska.edu/foundation.

Original press release here.