Oxford – Robert Honeysucker, (MM, ’71), was honored with the awarding of the first Distinguished Artist Alumni Award representing the Department of Music, given by the Miami University and the School of Fine Arts at a special ceremony held in Hall Auditorium on Tuesday, April 3.

Recognized internationally for his opera, concert and recital performances, Honeysucker has been cited time and time again in reviews and articles, and was honored as the 1995 “Musician of the Year" by The Boston Globe. He was a winner of the National Opera Association’s Artists Competition and a recipient of the 1995 New England Opera Club’s Jacopo Peri Award. He is currently a member of the voice faculties at The Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory Extension and The Longy School of Music.

In his acceptance speech during the ceremony, Honeysucker relayed his reverence toward his Miami experience, saying it was pivotal in his finding his calling and career direction. He cited several MU music professors, including Otto Froelich, Winfred “Jocko” Cummings, and Nancy Runge as instrumental to his growth and success.

To end the afternoon ceremony, which was presided over by Fine Arts dean Dr. James Lentini and attended by over 100 distinguished guests, faculty, and students, Honeysucker sang two opera arias, accompanied by pianist Brad Caldwell.

Honeysucker was one of four alumni, one from each department within the School of Fine Arts, receiving the award, which was represented by a plaque and award statue.

The other three awardees of the Distinguished Artist Alumni Award included Fletcher Benton, bachelor of fine arts, '55, representing the Department of Art; Jim Clemes, bachelor of environmental design, '80, representing the Department of Architecture and Interior Design; and Klara Zieglerova, master of arts in theatre, '92, representing the Department of Theatre.