Dr. Jaunelle Celaire, of Dominican heritage, receives the 2024 Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence

The Board of Directors of the University of Alaska Foundation has presented the 2024 Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence to Dr. Jaunelle Celaire. Dr. Celaire is a voice professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). Canadian-born Dr. Celaire is the daughter of the late Jones Celaire from Dominica. A former St. Mary’s Academy student, he hails from the Bardouille family of Pointe Michel. Her mother, Grace Celaire, is from Trinidad and currently resides in London, Ontario.

An accomplished professor, Dr. Celaire has dedicated over 21 years to teaching in the UAF Music Department, where she holds the Steve and Cynthia Holmberg Choral Director Endowed Chair.  Dr. Celaire has showcased her talents as a teacher, soloist, conductor, and performer across various genres, including cabaret, musical theater, solo recitals, and opera.

The Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence, established in 1989, is the most significant annual award given by the University of Alaska Foundation’s Board of Directors. Each year, nominations are accepted for students, faculty, alumni, staff, or volunteers who have exemplified excellence and made notable contributions to the university’s mission, with recipients receiving a $20,000 award.

“Each year, the Board of Directors receives many well-deserving nominations for the Bullock prize,”  said Meg Nordale, chair of the UA Foundation Board of Directors. “Dr. Celaire stands out as a very inspiring and talented professor. She is a professional musician who seeks to creatively bring the knowledge and joy of music to her students and many others.”

Dr. Celaire is praised for being committed to her students and her department, promoting a spirit of musical collaboration throughout the university and the state.

One of her former students, Connie Oba, had this to say: “Dr. Celaire’s commitment to her students’ success is evident when considering where some of her former students are now. Her students have become professional singers in opera companies, landed internships in summer opera programs, and have become teachers themselves.”

Her efforts have significantly enriched the musical landscape for diverse audiences. Among her numerous achievements outlined by the University, are:

• Coauthoring a grant for a pioneering opera workshop that brought together the UAA Opera Ensemble and the UAF Opera Workshop, culminating in a concert titled “An Evening of Mozart.”
• Collaborating with the UAF athletics director to arrange for UAF music students to perform the National Anthem at all Nanook sporting events.
• Establishing performance practices for singers during UAF Summer Sessions.
• Developing a method to share Christmas carols performed by UAF students with senior citizens across the country during the early days of the pandemic.
• Receiving the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award in 2020.
• Connecting UAF’s music department with music education initiatives in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District by organizing joint concerts with local high schools and recitals with music educators, as well as facilitating performances and demonstrations involving UAF students and other schools.
• Composing an original song annually to support KUAC’s Fall Fundraiser.
• Participating as a competitor and adjudicator in numerous national and international voice competitions.
• Leading the voice and choir program for the UAF Summer Music Academy, an intensive two-week program for students in grades 6-12, for the past 20 years, and serving as the director of the academy for the last decade.

UAF Chancellor Dan White commended Dr. Celaire and her work, citing her excellent track record for molding accomplished musicians.

“UAF is proud of the professional accomplishments that Dr. Celaire brings to the Department of Music. Her talents as an educator and performer have impacted generations of students, many of whom now serve as professionals and leaders in music across the nation,” stated White.

The annual award was made possible through a generous donation from the late Edith R. Bullock, who served the university for 30 years as a member of the UA Board of Regents and the UA Foundation Board of Directors.