Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, associate professor of vocal music, recently was awarded the annual Clarence R. Hiebert Excellence in Teaching Award, the highest honor given to a faculty member at Tabor College.

The award began in 2000 and is given annually to the faculty member who best exemplifies qualities of excellent teaching at Tabor College.

These qualities include a strong Christian commitment, record of excellence in teaching as shown by peer and student reviews, evidence of integrating faith and learning, and commitment to Tabor College as an institution as shown in support of departments outside one’s area.

Swartzendruber received the award from Provost Lawrence Ressler during the annual honors and awards convocation May 13 at the college. In addition to a plaque and recognition at the annual spring appreciation dinner, the recipient also received a personal honorarium of $2,500.

“Dr. Swartzendruber is a special faculty member,” Ressler said. “It is clear from comments of students that she is equally respected for her skills in teaching, her Christ-like character, and her relationship with students. She is well deserving of the honor.”

A member of Tabor faculty since 2003, Swartzendruber has taught vocal pedagogy and diction, music theory I and II, ear training/sight singing I and II, introduction to fine arts, and private voice lessons.

A gifted concert soprano, Swartzendruber continues to develop her singing career through performances in faculty recitals, such as “Liederabend” and “Dueling Divas,” and as the soprano soloist in Faure’s “Requiem,” Brahm’s “Ein Deutches Requiem,” Mozart’s “Requiem,” and Handel’s “Messiah.”

Last fall, she starred as Golden in Tabor’s centennial production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” and the previous year served as music director of the Tabor musical drama, “Honk!”

Swartzendruber holds a doctor of musical arts from the University of Kansas, a master of music in vocal performance from Ohio University, and a bachelor of arts in music from Goshen College. She is married to Dr. Douglas B. Miller, professor of Biblical and religious studies and chairman of the Bible, religion, and philosophy department.

“I am honored to have served in such a strong music department with wonderful colleagues,” Swartzendruber said. “It has been a privilege to work with Tabor students, both in the classroom and in my voice studio.”

Past recipients of the Clarence R. Hiebert Excellence in Teaching Award are Dr. Wendell Loewen, Professor Joanne Loewen, Dr. Karol Hunt, Dr. Aleen Ratzlaff, Dr. Frank Brenneman, Dr. David Faber, Dr. Lynn Jost, Professor Judy Harder, and Dr. Allen Hiebert.