Photo by Chris Meyer “Passion and knowledge come immediately to mind in epitomizing the gifts of Chris Rogan as an educator, musician and person. Chris brings these attributes to IU East with an enthusiasm for her subject matter and determination to instill this same appreciation in each of her students.” —Barbara Armstrong, adjunct professor of music, IU East

When Rogan was first hired at IU East in 1986, her goal was to build up the nascent program and then to engage students who were “underexposed and overwhelmed by the environment of music I attempted to provide.” Getting non-traditional students to make room in their evening schedules for classical music concerts was a challenge, but one that Rogan faced gladly when she created the Auditorium Series, a class that allows students to learn about music by attending live performances.

Rogan is active in the arts community beyond campus as well. She acts as host, producer and director of “Focus on the Arts,” a public access program of her creation; teaches piano lessons and serves as accompanist and director with the Earlham College Madrigal Singers and Richmond Symphony Chorus; and acts in several music director capacities at Central United Methodist Church. For two years, Rogan served as a coach, accompanist and pianist at the prestigious Interlochen Music festival.

Perhaps most gratifying for Rogan is having the continued opportunity to share her love of classical music with an audience who, if not for her, might never have been exposed to it. Of her students, she said: “They are just waiting for someone to fill them up with alternative possibilities of interest toward their future. I am grateful for the opportunity to positively affect even a small percentage of these young people’s lives.”