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The Chicago Academy for the Arts will honor its president, Pamela Jordan, with the Kupcinet Civic Award during A Taste for the Arts Gala performance Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at the Harris Theater, as she prepares to take on a new role as President of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation in Idyllwild, Calif. at the end of the school year.
The Kupcinet Civic Award, named in memory of The Chicago Academy for the Arts' founder Essee Kupcinet and her husband, Irv, honors individuals who strive to positively impact and develop the Chicago arts community. 23 Academy alumni, representing each of Jordan's years at The Academy, will take part in the award presentation.
"I'm so honored to receive this award," says Pamela Jordan. "To me, it signifies the tremendous accomplishments that The Academy has enjoyed over the years and it has been my privilege to play a part in that success. I will eagerly follow The Academy's future achievements as the institution continues to reinforce its value in Chicago and its vital role as the premiere institution to train the world's most promising young artists."
"We are grateful to Pamela for her extraordinary service to the school," said Richard Sanders, chairman of The Academy board of trustees. "We are pleased to recognize that service with the Kupcinet Civic Award. During her tenure, the school has been transformed by forging deeper connections with the Chicago arts community and has gained prominence nationally and internationally. It has been my pleasure to work with Pam in my role as board chair and to support such an amazing vision for the school."
Pamela Jordan joined The Chicago Academy for the Arts in 1990 and has since served the institution in various capacities, including Head of School since 2002 and President since 2013. Jordan has been instrumental in establishing The Academy as a nationally recognized independent arts high school, forging international partnerships and creating innovative programming that has served as a model for other schools both nationally and internationally. The school received the Creative Ticket Award and the Kennedy Center School of Distinction Award under her leadership.
The Academy's rigorous courses and practicums connect intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and creativity, preparing young minds with the skills and mastery to become the leaders of tomorrow. The Academy's students demonstrate high readiness for college, outperforming their Illinois peers in every category of the ACT College Readiness Standards™. The 25 students comprising the Class of 2013 were collectively awarded $2.6 million in college scholarships.
During Jordan's tenure, the Academy has produced a number of notable alumni including nuclear physicist and quantitative analyst Jeremy Callner, Saturday Night Live cast member Cecily Strong, Semi Precious Weapons' Justin Tranter and New York City Ballet dancer Craig Hall.
A committee consisting of Academy alumni and prominent Chicago arts figures and supporters has been created to collect monetary gifts in Jordan's honor that will be used to fund the school's newest program, the Prodigy Institute.
The board of trustees has formed a search committee comprised of trustees, alumni, current and alumni parents, faculty, staff and supporters to identify The Academy's next president. Executive recruiting firm H.C. Smith has been hired by The Academy to conduct and manage the search process for a new president who will lead the school toward its goals for the year 2020.
Tickets to A Taste for the Arts Gala performance are available for $30 to $75 each. Visit harristheaterchicago.org for performance tickets. For more information on tickets to A Taste for the Arts Gala, visit at asteforthearts.org.
