Van Solkema to accept Honorary Degree

In June 2005, on the occasion of the 80th Commencement Exercises at Brooklyn College, Sherman Van Solkema will be conferred the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his exemplary service. After a distinguished career of 31 years as a music doctoral faculty member serving the Brooklyn College community through The City University of New York, Van Solkema retired in 1995 and came to Grand Valley.

As chair of the Grand Valley Music Department, Van Solkema provided guidance and leadership in expanding the program and facilities. Under his five-year tenure the full-time faculty grew in number from seven to 19, the number of majors doubled and performances elevated to a higher level. In appreciation of his achievement, upon his April 2001 retirement a 100-seat hall in the Performing Arts Center was renamed the Sherman Van Solkema Recital Hall. Currently, Dr. Van Solkema is a trustee and member of the Program Council of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival.