The Women of Color in the Academy Project (WOCAP) is pleased to invite you to the 14th Annual Shirley Verrett Award Celebration, honoring the legacy of Shirley Verrett and the continued impact of this award.

This special evening marks 30 years since Shirley Verrett joined the University of Michigan faculty in 1996. We gather in celebration of her enduring impact on performance, mentorship, and community at the university.

The Shirley Verrett Award honors a faculty member whose work across teaching, performance, scholarship, or service supports the success of artists from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds. Established in 2012, the award reflects Verrett’s legacy as a pioneering artist, educator, and advocate who championed the next generation of performers.

This year’s program will feature reflections from past award recipients, including Lester Monts, Ashley Lucas, Daniel Washington, and Robin Wilson, along with special performances in tribute to her extraordinary life and work.

This free, public event is open to all. Light refreshments will be served following the program.

RSVP is requested. Please feel free to share with colleagues and others who may be interested.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful and celebratory evening!