Elaine R. Walter (Ph.D., The Catholic University of America; B.M., Anna Maria College), professor of music teaching graduate/undergraduate courses in music literature history, arts administration, Russian/Soviet culture, opera workshop and scenes presentations, and serves as adviser to undergraduate voice performance majors. Member of the Departments of Music faculty since 1963, assistant dean from 1974 to 1981, and dean from 1982 to 2001. Former member of The National Board of Directors of The National Association of Schools of Music; reaccreditation visitor for member schools; and frequent panelist and adjudicator. Chaired the university's Academic Senate, served on the Board of Trustees of Anna Maria College, chaired a music committee of The National Inaugural Committee for Ronald Reagan, and participated as a judge for The Metropolitan Opera Mid-Atlantic Regional Auditions, the NEA/USIA Arts Program, the U.S. Department of Education Jacob Javits Fellowship Program, and Fellowships for Teachers of the Arts at the Kennedy Center. Founder and former general manager of the Summer Opera Theatre Company, a professional and national company independent from, but in residence at, The Catholic University of America. Currently serves as summer opera's artistic director and educational/outreach director and is a member of its Board of Directors. Also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees Subcommittee on Music and Liturgy, the Basilica of The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Recipient of numerous awards for her work on behalf of the school, university, and local/national arts organizations and endeavors. Holds an Honorary Doctorate from Anna Maria College, the first graduate to be so honored, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the college.