(Pittsburgh). . . Sister Donna Marie Beck, Ph.D., professor and chair of music therapy in the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Music Therapy Association, a national organization of 8,000 members. She was honored at the AMTA National Conference on Nov. 21, 2003 in Minneapolis.
Sister Beck chaired the AMTA National Affiliate Relations Committee from 1995 – 2000, when she developed initiatives to raise awareness of music therapy among nurses, social workers and other groups of affiliated professionals. According to Dr. Mary Boyle, a member of the AMTA national executive board who nominated her, Beck “developed new communicative pathways between the Association for Critical Care Nursing and AMTA.”
Beck increased her leadership responsibilities in 1998 as a member of the AMTA National Executive Board. After retiring from both national positions in 2000, she continues to represent the Mid-Atlantic Region as a National Assembly Delegate. Past service to the region included terms as treasurer, archivist and historian.
Sister Beck has directed the music therapy program at Duquesne University since 1992 and has been teaching in the program since 1982. She is a native of Gallitzin, Pa. in Cambria County. A member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Baden, she currently resides in the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Editor’s Note: A music therapist utilizes music to improve and enhance the physical, psychological and emotional health of the individual. The therapist develops and implements a treatment plan that is focused on goals and objectives, often working in collaboration with other health care professionals. After completing the educational requirements, including a six-month clinical internship, and passing a board examination, one receives the MT-BC credential (Music Therapist-Board Certified).
As the first licensed training site for music therapists in the state of Pennsylvania, Duquesne University has been preparing students to enter into this field since 1972. |
