Local Harvard Club Honors Mary Ann Cummins

Mary Ann Cummins has been named the 2014 Educator of the Year by the Harvard Club of Southern California. Mary Ann has taught music at Crossroads for the last 42 years and has been an integral part of the School since its inception.

In 1978, the gifted piano teacher founded the Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute at Crossroads, named after parent and trustee Elizabeth Heller Mandell. Students must audition to be admitted into the prestigious program for the study and performance of classical music. EMMI graduates have gone on to successful careers in symphony orchestras, opera houses, on the international concert circuit and on the faculties of major conservatories around the world. Mary Ann is also the founder of the Aube Tzerko Piano Academy at New Roads High School.

Of the three individuals honored at the annual membership meeting and awards dinner, Mary Ann is the only one who is not a Harvard graduate. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music from DePaul University and did her graduate studies at the University of Chicago.

The dinner was held June 29 on the UCLA campus.