Congratulations to mandolinist/composer/vocalist Chris Thile, who has won the 2014 Outstanding Alumni in Fine Arts Award from Murray State University, his alma mater, presented at the school's sixth annual A Taste of the Arts Dinner and Auction in Murray, Kentucky, last month.

“He is a model of artistry, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Pamela Wurgler, chair of Murray State's Department of Music. “As a musician and composer, Chris is ‘hot’ right now. Everyone wants to hear him perform; they want to hear his compositions too. He is an inspiring model for our students.”

Thile’s parents, Scott and Kathy Thile, of Murray, accepted the award on behalf of their son. In a taped acceptance speech, Thile credited Murray State with influencing his identity as a musician. He praised the Department of Music as an environment that fostered and encouraged curiosity, and he noted the faculty’s open-mindedness, mentioning specifically his time with Professor of Music Dr. Stephen Brown. Thile described this award as incredible and emotional because of how much his time at Murray State means to him. He is working with the University to coordinate a visit to campus in 2015.

The Outstanding Alumni in the Fine Arts Award is presented annually at A Taste of the Arts Auction and Dinner Event, which showcases performances by Murray State students in music and theatre. All proceeds benefit Murray State University scholarships in art, music, and theatre. The 2014 event was held on Thursday, October 9, on the campus of Murray State University, where over $23,000 was raised in support of arts scholarships.

Chris Thile concludes a duo tour with Nonesuch Records label mate pianist Brad Mehldau this weekend, making stops at the Barcelona Jazz Festival and the National Concert Hall in Dublin. He returns to the Hall with his fellow Punch Brothers in January; for details and tickets, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.