UIndy cNAfME Recognized as National Chapter of Excellence for Professional Development
The University of Indianapolis chapter of the collegiate National Association for Music Education (cNAfME) was recognized as a national chapter of excellence for professional development during the cNAfME’s National Leadership Assembly. The UIndy chapter was one of nine from across the country to earn this recognition.
cNAfME developed the Chapter of Excellence Recognition to encourage its chapters to plan and execute successful chapter advocacy, music programs, professional development, recruitment strategies, and service projects.
As part of their professional development this year, members of UIndy cNAfME received adjudication training from directors of the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA). That training led to a meaningful service opportunity with Indianapolis Public Schools: chapter members volunteered as judges for IPS student groups who could not attend ISSMA’s solo and ensemble contests. The experience proved mutually beneficial, as UIndy cNAfME students gained hands-on experience in assessment and teaching, while IPS students received valuable feedback to help them grow as musicians.
“I could not be more proud of the dedication and effort that have gone into making our chapter at UIndy one of the most outstanding organizations in the country,” said Dr. Laurie Williams, director of music education programs and orchestra at UIndy and faculty advisor for UIndy cNAfme. “This is the second year in a row that our students have been nationally awarded for their excellence. It was an absolute honor to receive the award for service last year and for professional development this year. Having Allyson Horvath be one of two students in the country to earn the Shannon Kelly Kane Award this year was absolutely the highlight of 2025. Our UIndy cNAfME chapter is making a difference in our state and on the national stage.”
“We are very proud of our music education program and the amazing work our students do in and out of the classroom,” added Dr. Rebecca Sorley, chair of the UIndy Music Department. “The collegiate National Association for Music Education chapter is very active with service and professional development activities, which help prepare our students for a successful career as a music educator. 100% of our music education graduates who pursued teaching positions have successfully found jobs in schools.”
Additionally, senior music education student Allyson Horvath was one of six NAfME collegiate members to receive the Professional Achievement Award this year. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary musicianship and contribute to activities such as volunteering, work experience, publications, and leadership.
Horvath was also one of two students selected to receive the Shannon Kelly Kane Award. This is the third consecutive year a UIndy music education student was selected to receive the scholarship. The Shannon Kelly Kane Scholarship was created by Shannon’s family and friends in coordination with NAfME to honor her exemplary life and her love of teaching music.
“This award, along with the scholarship I received, tells me that the hard work I put into this profession every day is not wasted,” said Horvath. “I think of these awards as beacons of hope to keep me going when I am feeling down. It is not easy being an educator, and no one ever does it for the money. We do it because we are passionate, and because some teacher before us lit a fire underneath us that we want to keep burning.”