Highlights of the 2023 CFA Distinguished Alumni Awards
2023 CFA Distinguished Alumni Awards Highlights
During Boston University’s Alumni Weekend festivities, CFA celebrated three amazing alums in the arts
Photos by Doug Levy
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the BU College of Fine Arts community – students, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff – came together to celebrate and honor three inspiring BU alumni.
Multifaceted artist Joseph Pereira (CFA’96)
Artist and educator Adrienne Elise Tarver (CFA’07)
Playwright and director Chay Yew (COM’92)
It was an evening of laughs, smiles, and a refreshing reminder of the members of the BU community who share our College’s commitment to excellence and making the arts a formidable force, and a welcoming environment for all.
Meet the 2023 honorees…
Joseph Pereira (CFA’96)
“You continue to redefine what an orchestra musician is, what a composer is, what an artist is. And in doing so, Joseph, you have illustrated that there is space to stretch, to conceptualize, to explore, and to defy convention.”
– Gregory Melchor-Barz, Director of BU School of Music
Adrienne Elise Tarver (CFA’07)
“At the same time that your work illuminates indisputable facts, you weave a constellation of imagery, with an approach that points to invention. For our students, your art illustrates the power of making and telling visual stories to address both personal meaning and a challenging future. Through award-winning work you give agency to your story and celebrate the experience of generations of women with a powerful, affirming voice.”
– Dana Clancy, Director of BU School of Visual Arts
Chay Yew (COM’92)
“Chay, as a stage director, playwright, and artistic director, you have not only set the stage for the invisible to be seen, you have given fresh eyes to audiences. You have created spaces that are inclusive, you have re-contextualized stories through your casting, you have inspired artists to tell their stories, and you have invited audiences, all of us, to discover our humanity.”
– Susan Mickey, Director of BU School of Theatre
About CFA’s Distinguished Alumni Awards
The Distinguished Alumni Awards are the most prestigious awards conferred by the College of Fine Arts at Boston University. Since 1986, awards have been presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves with outstanding achievements in their careers, communities, and in service to the arts. Read more and find a list of the previous honorees.