MSO

Local higher education presidents, Jean Goodnow, Keith Pretty, & Eric R. Gilbertson, will compete in the Maestro Wannabe contest, a fundraiser for the Midland Symphony Orchestra.

As part of its fundraising efforts for programming and educational growth, the Midland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) of Midland Center for the Arts has announced the launch of its "Maestro Wannabe" contest along with the names of the three contestants: Eric Gilbertson, president of Saginaw Valley State University; Jean Goodnow, president of Delta College; and Keith Pretty, president and chief executive officer of Northwood University.

Each contestant is vying for the opportunity to be "Maestro" and, after a brief coaching session, conduct the MSO in playing The Star Spangled Banner at its February 2, 2008 performance. The contest begins September 29, 2007 and continues until noon on January 25, 2008. The contestants are to garner votes at the cost of $1 each from members of the community through their choice of promotional tactics: posters, letters, phone campaigns, and media appearances to name a few. The person with the most votes, that is, who raises the most dollars, wins. Supporters are encouraged to "vote early and often" for their favorite candidate. Periodic updates on the candidates' progress will be posted on the Midland Center for the Arts web site, mcfta.org, and voting boxes will also be available in the auditorium lobby at MSO concerts.

Eric R. Gilbertson, president of Saginaw Valley State University since 1989, earned a Juris Doctorate degree (with honors) from Cleveland State University. He holds a masters of arts in economics from Ohio University and a bachelor of science degree from Bluffton College (Ohio). Prior to his arrival at SVSU, Dr. Gilbertson served as president of Johnson State College (Vermont), was legal counsel to the Ohio Board of Regents, and was executive assistant to the president of Ohio State University. Dr. Gilbertson has traveled and lectured extensively in Asia. In 1993 he received an Honorary Doctor of Literature Degree from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India, and in 2007 was named an honorary citizen of the City of Tokushima, Japan. He is also involved in many professional and civic organizations.

Jean Goodnow, Ph.D., president of Delta College, earned a B.A. in sociology, an M.A. in rehabilitation counseling, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Iowa. In addition, she has completed post-graduate studies at Harvard University. Before joining Delta College in 2005, Dr. Goodnow was president of Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) in Oglesby, Illinois (1996-2005) where she earned a reputation for innovation in technology, career programs and community involvement. She is a member of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business and Educational Partnership, the Board of Directors of Midland Tomorrow, the MidMichigan Health Corporate Board, the Tri-County Economics Club, the Saginaw Valley Torch Club, and an Honorary Member of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. She and her husband Steve have one son, John. In her spare time, she enjoys golf, genealogy and roses.

Keith Pretty, president and chief executive officer of Northwood University, earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Western Michigan University and a juris doctor degree from Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing. He joined Northwood University in September, 2006 after having served as president for seven years at Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. Prior to Walsh he was vice president for external affairs, general counsel at Western Michigan University and president and CEO of the Western Michigan University Foundation. In the private sector, Pretty held governmental affairs positions with Amoco Corporation and became senior Washington representative. Former Michigan Governor John Engler appointed Pretty to design a state department of Career Development that matched Michigan's educational resources to its business needs.
The Midland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) offers a six-concert season featuring renowned guest artists. Providing mid-Michigan with continuous symphonic music since 1936, the MSO also sponsors educational opportunities through its touring ensembles in the schools, Community Orchestra, chamber concerts, Tunes for Tots, a summer outdoor event, prelude lectures, scholarships, music appreciation programs and guest artist master classes and residencies.