University’s second-annual outreach to Southern California alums
as part of The Recording Academy’s awards celebration
LOS
ANGELES — MTSU honored Alicia Warwick, executive director of The Recording Academy’s
Nashville chapter, at an event Saturday (Feb. 7) in downtown Los Angeles as
part of the university’s second-annual outreach during the Grammy Awards.
About 50 recording industry executives, artists and university
alumni, students and supporters attended a brunch on the rooftop of The
Standard hotel to recognize Warwick, a 1999 graduate of MTSU’s Recording
Industry program. She was named to the chapter’s top job last year.
Among those in attendance were MTSU alums Pete Fisher, general
manager of the Grand Old Opry, and Torrance “Street Symphony” Esmond, who is nominated for a
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Grammy as a co-writer on a
song by popular Christian rapper Lecrae Moore, who also attended MTSU for a
time.
Ken Paulson, dean of the College of Mass Communication, said Warwick’s
colleagues from The Recording Academy who attended the brunch all sang her
praises.
“I’ve talked to her colleagues here and they all said from the
moment that they met her, they all recognized her leadership, her passion and
commitment,” Paulson said.
“We (at MTSU) have loved watching her career blossom,” he said. “We
are so proud and we are delighted to honor her today.”
Warwick said she was moved by the tribute from her alma mater on the
eve of the industry’s biggest night, the 57th annual Grammy Awards.
“I transferred to MTSU my junior year and it changed my life,” she
said. “The friendships I made, the relationships and internships. Some of my
favorite mentors are here (at the brunch) today.
“(MTSU) is such a blessing and such an amazing university. It’s so
exciting (that) I kind of have to pinch myself.”
The Warwick brunch was among several activities that MTSU put
forward as part of the Grammy week of festivities.
On Thursday and Friday, six Recording Industry students volunteered
in various capacities during the 17th annual Grammy Foundation
Legacy Concert.
Later Saturday evening, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee held a
meet-and-greet session with Southern California alums. On Sunday, MTSU will
co-sponsor a pre-Grammys event with Leadership Music, a training program for
industry executives.
The students here for the Grammys — seniors James Belt, Eryn Green,
Quentin Lee, April Manuel, Taylor Thompson and Keagan Scribner — were under the
direction of assistant professor Stacy Merida. They attended Saturday’s brunch
and mixed and mingled with industry pros.
Belt called the week “a monumental revelation,” adding it was an
“honor to meet and work with individuals in the industry.”
Warwick said the hands-on experiences offered through the leadership
of Recording Industry chairwoman Beverly Keel underscores the relevance of
MTSU’s program.
“I’m so excited for you guys,” Warwick told the students. “You are
in good hands.”
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