UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Christopher Kiver, associate professor of music and conductor of the Concert Choir and Glee Club at Penn State, oversees the graduate choral conducting program, and teaches classes in choral conducting and choral literature, has received the 2017 President’s Award for Engagement With Students.

The award is given to a faculty member who goes beyond his or her responsibilities to engage and encourage students in learning. The honorees have made themselves available to interact with students outside class, link students to opportunities and help them build their confidence as learners and potential contributors to society.

Since joining Penn State in 2005, Kiver has transformed the choral program, said a nominator. The Concert Choir and Glee Club, the two largest ensembles he conducts, have seven times been selected to perform at professional conferences and represent the University at the highest level.

But Kiver has a greater impact on the students he mentors. He’s dedicated his time to organizing trips for his students to gain performing experience, including one trip to Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, where his students performed with The Rolling Stones in front of a crowd of more than 60,000 people.

“I am committed to providing these experiences for the students because I understand the incredible life-changing impact of global experience, musically and beyond,” said Kiver. “These tours also offer leadership opportunities for students through various tour committees.”

Kiver, a two-time Grammy Award winner and founder and director of The Orpheus Singers, has appeared as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator in the U.S., Australia, China and New Zealand.

“Kiver is committed to the education and well-being of his students in and outside the classroom,” said a nominator. “He exemplifies the involvement with students’ growth and learning that the award recognizes.”