Nancy E. Ditmer

After Nancy returned to Ohio following graduate work at the University of Iowa in 1982 we often worked together on OMEA committees and eventually on the OMEA Trustees. In addition, we served together on the NAfME National Executive Board for six years. She was a good friend of my wife, Judi, also a Capital grad, and became a surrogate aunt for our children and they always referred to her as “Aunt Nancy.” Nancy was eager to attend the Gugold children’s concerts, recitals and other important life events. They got to know her pleasant smile and great sense of humor also while attending the summer music camp at the College of Wooster. She wasn’t afraid to participate in the camp staff skits taking on roles such as Princess Leia, Maid Marion, Jessie from Toy Story and others.

It has been obvious that Nancy had similar relationships with many of her personal and profession colleagues. Whether it was while she was Editor of TRIAD, serving as president of OMEA, PBM Ohio Chapter, MENC North Central Division and president of the National Association for Music Education, she always took a genuinely personal interest in those with which she worked. Nancy fostered a close relationship and provided career long mentorship with her Wooster students. Among her many professional contributions, she served as a role model for other women who wished to become secondary school and college band directors.

Nancy received my awards including the OMEA Distinguished Service Award, Alumni Achievement Award from Capital University and was named a NAfME Lowell Mason Fellow.