Dear Dillard Family,
We are proud to share and celebrate the tremendous success of the 2026 Dillard University Concert Choir Spring Tour.
Under the exceptional leadership of Dr. S. Carver Davenport, the Concert Choir delivered powerful and moving performances across five cities—Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, and Shreveport—leaving alumni and community members deeply inspired. This year’s tour was especially meaningful as it celebrated Dr. Davenport’s 50 years of excellence and leadership, a milestone that continues to shape the legacy of Dillard University.
A special and heartfelt thank you to our alumni chapters in Greater Houston, Shreveport and Surrounding Areas, Dallas/Fort Worth, Memphis, and Metro Atlanta for enthusiastically saying yes to hosting the March 6–13, 2026 tour. Each chapter demonstrated extraordinary hospitality, ensuring that our students felt welcomed, celebrated, and supported at every stop. We also extend sincere appreciation to the local churches in each city that graciously sponsored post-performance meals, further enriching the experience for our students.
This year’s tour included 35 participants—31 students, along with an accompanist, chaperone, Institutional Advancement representative, and director—each contributing to a seamless and impactful experience that reflected the very best of Dillard. In addition to their performances, the Choir also supported recruitment efforts with a visit to West Lake High School.
We were honored by the presence and support of distinguished members of the Dillard community, including:
- Board of Trustees Members: Rochester Anderson Jr. ’84 (Vice Chairman), Al Lee ’80, Roland T. Pickens ’85, and Judge Carl E. Stewart ’71, who also supported the Shreveport tour stop
- Jericho Brown ’98, 2025 Commencement Speaker
- Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, 7th President of Dillard University
- Sylvia Fields Cook and Samuel DuBois Cook, Jr., family of Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook
In addition to the remarkable performances, the tour proved to be a major success in alumni engagement and fundraising, generating more than $35,000 in gifts and donations. These funds made the tour possible and are a testament to the strength of our alumni network. Special recognition goes to the Atlanta Alumni Chapter, which led all chapters with an outstanding $10,000 in contributions.
Dr. Monique Guillory shared:
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Davenport as he celebrates 50 years of excellence and transformative leadership. His legacy is reflected not only in the longevity of his service, but in the discipline, artistry, and passion demonstrated by our Concert Choir. Their performances across each city were a testament to the power of dedication and the enduring spirit of Dillard University.”
Throughout the tour, Dr. Davenport was also honored with an impressive array of recognitions and tokens of appreciation in each city—further underscoring the profound impact of his five decades of service and leadership in choral music.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our alumni, supporters, and friends whose love and generosity made this tour a resounding success. Your continued support ensures that the Dillard University Concert Choir will continue to inspire audiences and uphold a tradition of excellence for generations to come. We will continue to celebrate Dr. Davenport’s legacy by honoring him during Reunion Weekend.
We invite the campus community to continue this celebration at the Annual Spring Concert:
Sunday, April 12, 2026
5:00 PM
Lucien Pavilion, Professional Schools and Sciences Building (PSB)
Join us as we honor this historic milestone and experience the extraordinary talent of our Concert Choir once again.
Best regards,
Dillard University Administration
