Awards

Bridging the Visibility Gap - 2021

Elsie Irwin Sweeney Rock Gardens

Honorary Degree - 1967

D.Mus.

Doctor of Music

Founders Day

Bloomington, Indiana

Presenter: Elvis Jacob Stahr, Jr.

About Elsie Irwin Sweeney

Elsie Irwin Sweeney was born on July 18, 1888. Her interest in the arts was developed during her childhood; as a child she was part of a children’s singing group called the Miniature Quartet. After earning her bachelor’s degree in piano from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1910, Sweeney continued her accomplishments in piano, taking lessons from Josef Lhevinne, Ernest Hutcheson, and Bela Nagy. Sweeney's love of music continued throughout her lifetime, as did her dedicated support of Indiana University's School of Music. It was her generous gift to IU's 150th Birthday Fund which assisted in completing, furnishing and equipping the university's Musical Arts Center.

Sweeney served on numerous councils, boards, and associations, including the National Council of the Metropolitan Opera Co., the Indiana Federation of Music Clubs and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She received a variety of prestigious honors and awards for her contributions as well, including four honorary degrees, the Indiana Academy Medal, a Presidential Citation Award from the National Federation of Music Clubs, the Community Service Award from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and a plaque from the Metropolitan Opera National Company at Butler University.