Mutual admiration
By Joey Berlin
Originally published 09:19 a.m., November 17, 2007
Updated 09:19 a.m., November 17, 2007
Many times, people who do significant things gradually fade into obscurity. Even if they eventually get a building named after them, or a plaque is posted somewhere in their honor, others may eventually cease to attach their name to their achievements.
Martin Cuellar wants to make sure Elaine Edwards continues to get recognized.
For 34 years, Edwards taught music at Emporia State. She mentored countless students of piano and started ESU’s Suzuki Piano program. Cuellar, a piano professor at ESU pictured in the center, above, says he wants people to know Edwards — and not just what she’s accomplished, but what kind of person she is.
That’s why Cuellar and his students are dedicating their 3 p.m. concert Sunday at Heath Recital Hall to Edwards, who arrived at Emporia State as a faculty member in 1963 and retired in 1997.
“I’m extremely flattered and very, very honored,” Edwards said. “I never dreamed that this would ever happen. It’s overwhelming.”
Edwards was embarrassed when Cuellar came up with the idea of honoring her more than a month ago. She said Cuellar walked into her house, shook his finger at her and said, “Now we are making you an offer you cannot refuse.”
“She was, of course, very humbled by it,” Cuellar said, “because that’s the kind of person she is.”
Cuellar, who came to Emporia State in 2000, has seen plenty of Edwards despite the fact that she retired before his arrival. Cuellar said when he arrived at ESU, it was apparent that Edwards had become “embedded, or woven, into the community.”
One recent example came when Cuellar made a trip to the dentist. He mentioned the upcoming recital and was surprised when his dentist offered to help pay the expenses for the program.
“Elaine had taught his children,” Cuellar said.
His students are well aware of her contributions and her nature, too.
“She comes to all of our concerts,” he said. “She supports all the activities, always has a kind and very encouraging word for my students.”
The feelings of admiration are mutual for Edwards, who said Cuellar’s students play “magnificently well.”
“I met him when he first came here, and I’ve been one of his great admirers,” she said. “He called me a colleague, and that’s very flattering.”
Sunday’s concert will include a Power Point presentation devoted to Edwards, including pictures of her through the years and testimonials from people whose lives she has affected.
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
What a delightful woman of accomplishment--she has dedicated herself to the musical arts in Emporia for decades, and deserves every praise!
November 17, 2007 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )