LG
Levi Gerke
  • Music
  • Class of 2014
  • Pilot Grove, MO

Gerke Earns CMU Selecman Award

2016 May 17

As if graduating from Central Methodist University this past Saturday (May 14) wasn't memorable enough for Levi Gerke, he was surprised to be announced as one of the three seniors recieving top honors.

A capacity crowd in E.P. Puckett Field House witnessed the presentation of the Selecman Award to Gerke, a music major from Pilot Grove. CMU presents its three most prestigious graduating senior awards at every May Commencement in Fayette. Identities of the recipients, nominated by CMU faculty and staff, remain top secret until announced during Commencement.

Regarded as the most prestigious award given to a CMU graduating senior is the Selecman Achievement Award. It was established in 1957 by the late United Methodist Church Bishop Charles C. Selecman, a former student at Central Methodist.

He directed that the award go to the student who has displayed the highest levels of the following characteristics: good citizenship on the campus, scholarship, religious leadership, moral and spiritual qualities, and outstanding achievement.

Levi Gerke has been a vocal and piano performance student at CMU, and has placed in regional and statewide vocal competitions including a recent first place in the regional National Association of Teachers of Singing competition. Last summer Gerke attended the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, as a pianist in the Lieder Studio.

An academic honor student, his musical activities at CMU have included opera workshops, Chorale, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Church Street Boys men's vocal music group. He also accompanies soloists and groups on piano and often performs with pianist Dr. Melissa Loehnig, assistant professor of music. Gerke is a member of several CMU honor societies.

This summer he will participate in CMU Summer Light Opera Workshop, then leave for a collaborative piano internship at the Franco-American Vocal Academy in Perigeux, France. He will begin graduate studies at Florida State University in the fall.