UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Cowan Center Announces First Award Recipients

February 10, 2012

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

February 9, 2012

Media Contact: Beverley Golden
Director
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.566.7303 or 903.330.0495 (cell)

The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center has named the recipients of its inaugural Cowan Star Award and Cowan Media Award, Susan Thomae-Morphew, executive director, announced.

Celebrating its 15th season, the UT Tyler Cowan Center has recognized the following for their continued support of the venue since its opening in 1997.

Cowan Star Award Recipients:

  • Louise and Joseph Z. Ornelas
  • Southside Bank
  • Drs. Svetislava J. Vukelja and Lawrence L. Anderson

Cowan Media Award Recipient:

  • KETK NBC 56

“The whole idea of having an awards program began for two reasons. We need to strategically plan for the future of Tyler’s premiere performing arts venue, the UT Tyler Cowan Center, and we need to publicly recognize the individuals and businesses that are committed to providing great programming for the East Texas Region,” said Thomae-Morphew.

“The quality of life and economic impact the Cowan Center has had on Tyler and the region is thanks to many who believe in the importance of the arts and educational opportunities it provides. We salute them and roll out the red carpet for them with a little help from our friends and our celebrity guests.”

The honorees will be presented at the Cowan Arts and Awards dinner on Saturday, March 24 at which the new Walk of Fame on the Spence Plaza will be unveiled.

The evening’s events also will include a walk on the red carpet, mingling with celebrity guests Larry Hagman and Linda Gray of the TV series “Dallas” and an elegant dinner followed by the awards presentation and dancing.

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the UT Tyler Cowan Center Performance Excellence Endowment, which supports the center’s commitment to excellence in education and the arts.

Seating, although limited, for the evening is still available. For information, contact the Cowan Center box office, 903.566.7424.

One Cowan Star Award and one Cowan Media Award will be announced on a biennial basis in the future.

Chosen by the Cowan Center Advisory Board and Endowment Committee, recipients were selected based upon loyalty/longevity/consistency, service and level of support to the Cowan Center.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler offers excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of almost 7,000 high-ability students at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.