Mark Cavanaugh, Ph.D., faculty in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), was honored with “Free Passage to the City of Kromeriz,” an ancient honor that paid tribute to his 20-year association with the city as part of the International Workshop for Conductors. Cavanaugh conducted the Seventh Symphony of Beethoven at the concert held in the Bishop’s Palace in Kromeriz, Czech Republic. Kromeriz is a UNESCO protected World Heritage site and the Bishop’s Palace dates to the 16th Century. The award was given by the city and in conjunction with the Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra. Cavanaugh has had a 20 year relationship with the orchestra, conducting them each summer.
Cavanaugh is a sociologist in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies. His academic interests include social theory, sociology of music, social psychology and social factors affecting optimal performance. Cavanaugh is the founder and conductor of the NSU Festival Orchestra, which performs at NSU commencement ceremonies and other events. He is also a composer and is the composer of the NSU Alma Mater and Victory March.