Augusta Read Thomas, Alumnae Award Recipient

The Alumnae Award recognizes a woman who has brought honor to Northwestern University through outstanding professional contributions in her field and who has attained national recognition. Established in 1976, the Alumnae Award has been presented every year to an alumna who has had a significant impact in her field of endeavor. Educators, journalists, doctors, scientists, and artists are included among The Alumnae’s roster of awardees.

August Read Thomas, a University of Chicago professor, has secured for herself a permanent place in the pantheon of American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.  She has had four major world premieres for her compositions and received a lifetime achievement award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.  She also received the Lincoln Academy of Illinois Awards Order of Lincoln, the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service.