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Prof. Findlay Cockrell at the piano during his Retirement Celebration

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

On Friday, June 2, 2006, at 6:00 p.m., a Retirement Celebration was held for Prof. Findlay Cockrell "in honor of Findlay's 40 years of entertaining, educating, enlightening, and delighting." The Colonie Country Club in Voorheesville was the setting for the dinner and tribute.

Each attendee was provided with a program that included farewell letters from UAlbany President Kermit Hall, Provost Susan Herbst, and Dean Joan Wick-Pelletier. The program booklet (completed by Nancy Frank) also featured photos of Findlay as well as a timeline of his life. In addition, a CD of Findlay playing Gershwin and Gottschalk was given to each of the 160 guests.

Wherever Findlay goes, music is sure to follow! And this evening was to be no exception. During the cocktail reception, Dennis Buck played the piano. Mr. Buck was Findlay's first piano major (graduating in 1969) and now enjoys a career as a pianist in New York City. Before dinner started, Findlay fingers fluently flew over the keys as a crowd encircled him at the piano. And this was only the beginning!

Later in the evening, Marie Kirkorova, a visiting opera singer from Bulgaria, serenaded the crowd. Anne Turner and Ted Lorraine sang "Ode to Findlay" composed by Mr. Lorraine. And this turned into a sing-along as the audience had been provided with the lyrics. Matthew Herskowitz, a classical and jazz pianist who now makes his home in Montreal, played Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. Mr. Herskowitz was first trained by Findlay and then went on to further studies at Curtis and Juilliard.

Prof. David Griggs-Janower served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. A number of friends came to the podium to share memories of Findlay: Richard Balsam, M.D., Paul Elisha, William Carragan, June Dieffenback, Patricia Di Benedetto Snyder, and Toby Blumenthal, to name a few. In between speakers, Findlay would spring from his seat to interject a funny anecdote or to tell an interesting story. A common theme that emerged from the speakers is what an incredible difference Findlay and his music have made, not only in the lives of individuals but in the shaping of the Capital District music scene and beyond.

Dorothy Cockrell (daughter of Findlay and wife Marcia) and Rachel Licht (granddaughter) presented Findlay with his retirement gift. (Marcia is pictured above left with Prof. Victoria von Arx.) After Findlay moved through the room showing off his gift (a ring), he stood near a piano-shaped cake and expressed thanks and made closing remarks.

~by Bernadette Socha (June 6, 2006)

Photos of a lifetime of achievements