Evaluations

Dr Hodgman, you are the best professor here on campus. I admire and respect you always. Thank you for making my time at Adrian amazing.

Student evaluation comment, 2005

Dear Tom,

.... thank you for your tenacious, hard work in transforming the musical culture of this community!

John Dodson

Conductor, Adrian Symphony Orchestra

2005

Dear Tom,

I have been listening to the CD of our (Rossini) "Stabat Mater" performance this afternoon and appreciate once again the opportunity to participate in such a fine concert. So I wanted to thank you for all of your dedication and discipline that have made it possible for you to share your musical talent with the Lenawee Community Chorus and the students at Adrian College. It was evident how hard you had worked with all of the musicians to get us all ready to perform the "Stabat Mater", a piece we will never forget.

With Love,

Norma & Wilson Wood

Lenawee Community Chorus members

2005

Dr. Hodgman

Thank you very much for spending the last five years giving me your time, expertise, and caring. I finally believe that behind any successful person you have to have successful supporters. And I feel very lucky to count you among them. Hopefully I will graduate, get a job, and someday send my students back to Adrian College for a great experience.

Thank you for everything,

Abby W.

Class of 2005

HS Band Director

Deerfield Public Schools, MI

Dear Tom,

Congratulations on a brilliant Carnegie Hall debut! The performance was breathtaking and your contribution an irreplaceable key to the success! Tom, I can't thank you enough for your help. It was truly a pleasure and privilege working with you.

My very best,

Candace W.

Associate Conductor

Mid-America Productions

Carnegie Hall Concert Series

Dr. H - Thanks for being so understanding this year during my medical struggles. I'm so thankful to be part of this choir!! NYC will rock next year! You should feel on top of the world with a choir that respects and honors you so much! Thank you for a great year!

Student evaluation comment, 2005

Hodgman is a wonderful teacher and person. He knows his craft and how to make choir fun and educational.

Student evaluation comment, 2005

You are a great instructor. You make choir so enjoyable. There is no way we could have accomplished this music with anyone else. Your passion for teaching is obviously what draws students to this class. I hope it continues to grow! I love you! Best instructor ever!

Student evaluation comment, 2005

Best instructor and class I have, by far. Thanks for making it fun Dr. Hodgman. I love you. You are a truly amazing instructor.

Student evaluation comment, 2005

Definitely my most favorite class and instructor at Adrian College!

Student evaluation comment, 2005

Dr. Hodgman it's been awesome to see where you have taken the choir in four years. I was proud to tell people I performed in the choir when they would ask me why I was wearing a tuxedo. It has been a true pleasure to work with you to perform such music as we have. It has been an honor. Good luck in New York next year and take this choir to ever higher levels.

Mark Brammer

Class of 2005

Dr. Hodgman, you have challenged me intellectually and have made me a stronger person and musician. I thank you for all your time and patience with me. You are an amazing man. Thank you.

Student evaluation comment, 2005

This class is the best class I've ever taken!! I love Dr. H. Not only is he a teacher, but a friend and father as well. Thank you for making this class interesting and fun.

Student evaluation comment, 2004

Just like my other class, I was the only male student in the class and Dr. Hodgman was really cool at quietly making sure I felt comfortable in the class. He is probably the best teacher I've had in years.

Student evaluation comment, 2004

Thank you so much for making choir a joy to participate in. There's something so moving about singing in a choir where the director thoroughly enjoys what he's doing. It makes me cry; it makes me smile. You've changed my life as a teacher, friend and father. Thank you for always being there, for helping me grow as a person and as a musician.

Student evaluation comment, 2004

Dear Dr. Borland

... I think our Music Department has the finest leadership now than at any time I have worked here (20 years). Tom Hodgman has brought direction and quality to the department and there is a fine rapport among the staff.

Prof. Wilnella Bush, piano

January, 2004

Leslie and I want you to know that we are so very glad that you are here at Adrian College. You are a fine professional, a great human being and your contribution to Adrian College and the surrounding community speak for themselves.

Mike Gillilan

Vice President, Student Affairs

2004

Dear Tom,

Many thanks for all that you do to make this a wonderful, inspiring place to teach. You make a big difference in many lives!

Prof. Cecilia Johnson, violin

2003

Dear Dr. Hodgman

I am very pleased to inform you that the Adrian College Board of Trustees approved me to grant you tenure and promote you to Associate Professor effective September 1, 2003. Congratulations on this well deserved promotion at Adrian College. Your fine contributions to the College and its students are very much appreciated.

Stanley P. Caine

President, Adrian College (retired)

2003

Dr. Hodgman is one of the most understanding and respectful professors I have had. He takes his work seriously and seems to love it.

Student evaluation comment, 2003

By participating in this class I have learned about music but more importantly I have learned (observed) important management and people skills from Dr. Hodgman. I would say his classes teach far more than music.

Student evaluation comment, 2003

His rehearsals appear to be "all business," musically, moving at a good pace from one exercise or number to the next, yet at the same time Dr. Hodgman conducts with a kind of ebullient enthusiasm that appears contagious. I am impressed with the broad repertoire he has developed with his students. ... Overall, Dr. Hodgman is a highly valuable member of the Adrian College community. His great efforts have achieved positive results: excellent choirs, a stronger music department, successful student recruiting. I enthusiastically recommend him for tenure and promotion to Associate Professor.

Dr. James Borland

Vice President and Dean

for Academic Affairs

2002

Dr. Hodgman:

....Your colleagues speak very highly of you and all that you have been able to accomplish with the growth of the department. The committee also recognizes the many significant contributions you have made to the music department as chair...In summary, you have revitalized the Music Department through staffing, recruitment, and resources.

Excerpted from the Final Report from the Peer Review Committee

David G. Coy

Chair - Peer Review Committee

December, 2002

Dr. Hodgman respects his students and is very understandable. He is hardworking and a great music teacher. I respect him very much.

Student evaluation comment, 2002

I love the way Dr. Hodgman deals with students and it is clear that he loves teaching and directing the choir.

Student evaluation comment, 2002

Dr. Hodgman uses his time effectively and efficiently. I am continually impressed by him and his abilities.

Student evaluation comment, 2002

There is no other professor that I respect more at Adrian College than Dr. Hodgman. I am more than excited to be spending the next three years studying with him.

Student evaluation comment, 2002

Dr. Hodgman is not only an excellent professor, but he is also friendly and you really know that he cares about music and his students when he is teaching a class. Dr. Hodgman's actions reassure me every day that Adrian College was the correct college for me to attend.

Student evaluation comment, 2002

Dear Tom,

On behalf of all of the singers of District 12, I would like to thank you for your dedication, talent, and artistic viewpoints you shared with our choirs. We all leave festival with new insights and new appreciation of the art we all create.

Thank you,

Steven P. Hinz

Chelsea High School

District 12 Manager

2002

... Dr. Hodgman has been very supportive of all the faculty and ensembles and there is a fine, cooperative relationship throughout the department. It is a happy place to work. Students understand that the department's first concerns are for them. They have much personal attention and support and opportunities to express opinions and make suggestions. Dr. Hodgman's door is always open to them....

Wilnella Bush

Assistant Professor (retired)

2002

Dr. Hodgman's interest in the students' welfare and musical development is both approrpiate and psoitive. At times he has helped students reevaluate their educational paths either toward or away from music. The willingness to confront those issues and to partner with a student in finding a fulfilling career path is rare., and Dr. Hodgman has not shirked from his duties. Interestingly, that very willingness to be open and honest has led to a close-knit relationship with his students and one which clearly shows his strong influence in their lives. Dr. Hodgman is interested in the students with whom he works and that interest has surely been an asset to their experience here at Adrian College.

John Dodson

Conductor, Adrian Symphony Orchestra

Associate Professor, Music

2002

I really enjoyed this course. Dr. Hodgman is a very wonderful man. It is obvious that he cares about his students, yet at the same time he lays down the line. I am so glad that we have the best choir teacher at Adrian College!

Student evaluation comment, 2001.

Dr. Hodgman is one of the best music instructors I've ever had. He is fair and doesn't play favorites.

Student evaluation comment, 2001

I observed one of Dr. Hodgman's Ear Training classes and was impressed with his ability to make potentially tedious material interesting and engaging. He kept the course upbeat, coaching students in sight-reading and dictation. He seemed to have an individual relationship with each student that allowed the students to relate easily to each other. I was very impressed with the quality and tone of the class.

Dr. James Borland

Vice President and Dean

for Academic Affairs

2001

Tom is well-liked and respected by colleagues throughout the college and has restored good working relations between music and other departments. ...Sometimes we find people who are particularly strong in administration or musical talent or interpersonal skills or teaching effectiveness. It is more unusual to find all these abilities in one person and our department is indeed fortunate to have Dr. Hodgman

Wilnella Bush

Assistant Professor (retired)

2001

Dr. Hodgman - The support and confidence you have given me from our talks about life have helped me with large and challenging life-altering decisions. Thank you for listening ....

Jim D. '09

November 2008

Hello, Tom,

Thanks so much for doing the wonderful job with your College and alumni choirs on my introit. As a member of a 30-40 member church choir I appreciated hearing it done by 140 voices! I am so happy that the music program has taken off so spectacularly. Thanks for helping make this campus visit very memorable.

Cordially,

Paul deLespinasse

Professor Emeritus

Political Science

Adrian College

October 2008

Tom:

Thank you very much for your performance last evening. As is always the case, the entire evening was magical with the presence of the choir. Your students NEVER fail to electrify the crowd. Of course, you are the leader and deserve the credit.

Thanks again,

Jeff Docking

President, Adrian College

October, 2008

. . . .I feel very fortunate to be able to cooperate so easily with Tom Hodgman - few college music departments enjoy the excellent level of cooperation and support we have here. . .
Marty Marks

Director of Bands

Adrian College

October 2008

Dear Tom: I can't even begin to tell you what great things you have done for the Lenawee Community Chorus since you became its director.... We read nothing but good things about Adrian College. I hope the Fine Arts can get some of the same support as other areas. The music program must be one of the very finest in the area. Continued success to you!

Sincerely

Jim & Millie T.

LCC Members

Sept. 11, 2008

Dear Tom - It is difficult indeed to put our thoughts into words, but we very much appreciated your kind and helpful words, deeds and gestures during Rudy's time of illness as well as his memorial service...Most of all, we will remember the beautiful music from the choir during the memorial service ....your thoughtfulness, generosity, and support during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Rosemarie, Caroline &

Daniel P.

August 2008

Dr. H . . . I really do appreciate all the care and advice that you gave to me. You have been such a great teacher and mentor to me and I know that my time at Adrian would have been drastically different were it not for you and the music department. . . . I will never forget the impact that you have had on my life!!

Amanda B.

August 2008

Tom's a great administrator, teacher, and musician. He's wonderful to work with and tries to accommodate his faculty and to be flexible with their other professional schedule demands. The faculty, unlike so many other places, is incredibly compatible and collegial which is, in large part, engendered by Tom's able guidance and enthusiasm.

Valrie Kantorski

Assistant Professor, Piano

July, 2008

Dear Dr. Hodgman - I would just like to say thank you for the opportunity to go on such an amazing trip as we had in China. Everything was wonderful ... I have made memories and friends that I know will last a lifetime. ... I know that when I look back on my college years, this trip will be a major landmark... I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I never once imagined I would be going to China and odds are I am the only person in my family who will have ever been there.
Thank You,

Becky N.

Member of China Tour Choir

July 2008

Dr. Hodgman - I am not sure you will even remember me. It's been 6 years. But I wanted to congratulate you . . . You have made Choir at Adrian College a course to find yourself in. I still think about our tour and staying at homes of the people in the community. ... Anyway, I wanted to say congrats, and thank you for a lifetime experience. You are an amazing director!
Julia P.

June, 2008

Tom - Thank you for finding music that makes us grow. Sunday's performance was a defining moment in my life. . . We are blessed to have you.

Deb M.

Lenawee Community Chorus member

June 2008

Dr. H - Thank you so much for all you did for me while I was here at Adrian College. . . .the advice you gave me over the past five years has been so valuable to me. Your efforts and enthusiasm, not to mention your humor and passion for music, will be missed. They are part of the priceless qualities of an education here at AC. Thank you again, so much.

Madison M. ('08)

May 2008

. . . The accomplishments of Associate Professor of Music Tom Hodgman over the past nine years has earned him the title of "MVP" - one of Adrian College's "Most Valuable Professors". . .

Ron Reeves

Vice President for Development

Adrian College

May 9, 2008

Dr. Hodgman - Many thanks to you, as articulated at our board retreat meeting in Kalamazoo, for your strong leadership and constant support to the previous CMENC chapter advisors. It was under your leadership that the CMENC group found their feet and experienced a sense of community that was lacking in our state amongst our collegiate members. I personally want to thank you for this critical support to our future music leaders in the field.

Betty Anne Younker, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

School of Music, Theatre & Dance
The University of Michigan

May, 2008

Dear Dr. Hodgman:

I would like to express to you how much I enjoyed the recent performance by the Adrian College Choir .... I applaud your leadership of this fine group and their performance of this work (The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace). Congratulations on an exceptional performance and my best to all of you as you travel to Beijing to share your talents with others around the world.

Lauren B. Grinage, Attorney

April, 2008

I have had many different professors from various departments, and Dr. Hodgman is one of the best on campus. He does a great job with the choir and is a fantastic director. I plan to continue my involvement because of him.

Student evaluation comment, 2008

Choir has been one of the best and most enjoyable courses over my past 4 years. I will miss Dr. Hodgman dearly.

Graduating senior, 2008

Dr. Hodgman really cares for his students and his performances with his choir. I am very appreciative of such a genuine teacher.

Student evaluation comment, 2008

Dr. Hodgman:

Thank you so much for your amazing instruction. I'm looking forward to coming back for homecoming and Lessons& Carols. Thank you so much for the inspiration, and I will carry that with me no matter where I go. From the bottom of my heart, you are amazing. I will miss you.

Student evaluation comment, 2007

Dr. Hodgman cares deeply about his students and what he is teaching. He strives for us to do our best and helps us achieve an amazing sound. He is truly a remarkable teacher.

Student evaluation comment, 2007

Dr. Hodgman

I can honestly say that choir is one class that I feel I have gotten the most personal satisfaction out of at Adrian College. I know that I never seemed to be one to be extremely vocal, but I loved it. I found pride in being part of your choir and I thank you for all of the great direction for the past four years.

Kelli S.

Class of 2007

Dear Tom,

We want to say thank you for all you have done for this chorus. You are the best thing that ever happened to us. You are very, very good at what you do. You have taken us places we never thought we could go - literally and musically. We also want you to know how much we enjoy singing with the kids (college choir). It is such a joy to hear their young, pure, voices - no pretensions, just glorious sound! I hope the college appreciates you. We are your biggest cheerleaders and we appreciate the wonderful opportunities you have given the chorus.

Jim & Millie T.

Lenawee Community Chorus members

2007

Tom,

Congratulations to you and Colleen upon the publication of your new textbook. I am impressed by the number of institutions already adopting its use! I value your work and this type of professional achievement which further demonstrates your commitment to your profession and in turn to Adrian's Music Department. Thank you for your dedication to your students, your department, and this college.

Kind Regards,

Jeff Docking

President, Adrian College

2007

Dr. H,

...Thank you for pushing me so hard, even when I pushed back :-) Thank you for encouraging me and for giving me the confidence in my abilities to be a successful teacher. I owe you so much as an educator, colleague and friend.

Kim Ferguson

Class of 2007

Dear Professor Hodgman,

As a parent who traveled with you on the Jamestown, Virginia choir tour, I wanted to express my deep appreciation for an amazing, memorable, wonderful experience! ... I had an opportunity to spend time with my college-age daughters that I will never forget. I wish you and the choirs well in future endeavors.

Warm Regards,

Christine Barnes

Parent of Diane Barnes

Class of 2007

Dear Dr. Nesbary:

As chair of the Renaissance II subcommittee, I want to acknowledge a few members of the committee who made from my perspective outstanding contributions to the work of the committee. Michael Claus, Tom Hodgman, Rick Lovett and Nancy VanOver. ... Their work was well and above the "call of duty" for committee work and shows a dedication and commitment to Adrian College and the Renaissance II process. It was my pleasure working with them.

Regards,

Dr. Agnes Caldwell

Professor of Sociology

Chair, RenII Infrastructure Subcommittee

2007

Dear Dean Nesbary:

....In the five years I have taught at Adrian College, I have witnessed, through Tom Hodgman's leadership and clarity of vision, an unbroken stream of growth in student enrollment, in degree offerings, curricula, and faculty to support this growth. ... In addition, there is no doubt that the students in our department look up to Dr. Hodgman as teacher, mentor and wise friend. They can best thrive in the healthy, nurturing atmosphere Tom Hodgman fosters in our department.

Elizabeth Major

Professor, Music Dept.

2006

Dear Tom,

Thanks so much for the tremendous experience our Lenawee Christian School and other schools' students enjoyed at Adrian College. Your enthusiasm, hospitality, and expertise were absolute essentials to making this year's ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) Music Festival such a success. Parents, staff and students returned excited and energized about their experience....On behalf of the Lenawee Christian School, we are grateful for your partnership and leadership.

Blessings in Him,

Steve Kennedy, principal

2006

Tom,

Thank you, once again for engaging the Chamber Choir and sharing their talents with our guests at the President's Inauguration Ceremony. Under your direction, they have become poised adults giving their all to present the best of Adrian College! Appreciate all you do, Tom, to bring music to our ears.

Marsha Fielder

Director of Alumni Relations

2006