KEARNEY – Clay H. Blackman has been selected as the 2025 UNK Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Alumnus Award recipient.
He will be honored 11:30 a.m. Oct. 10 during the 45th annual Distinguished Alumni Awards luncheon in the Gala Room at the Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive. Tickets are $30 per person ($35 starting Sept. 27) and $15 for children ages 12 and younger. They can be purchased until Oct. 1 at unkalumni.org/homecoming or by calling the UNK Alumni Association at 308-698-5271.
“Clay Blackman’s impact on music education in Nebraska is both profound and enduring,” said professor Anthony Donofrio, chair of UNK’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. “His dedication to students, leadership in professional organizations and continued service to the field exemplify the values we strive to instill in all our graduates.”
Blackman dedicated 38 years to teaching choral music to students from kindergarten through college across central and eastern Nebraska. He began his career at Stanton Community School, Central City Public Schools and Monroe Middle School. He spent most of his career at Omaha South High Magnet School and Ralston Public Schools, and most recently taught at Cross County Community Schools.
Now retired, Blackman works as a substitute teacher and serves as a clinician and judge throughout the Midwest. He is a member of the National Federation of High Schools and currently serves as the immediate past president of the Nebraska Music Education Association. He is also president-elect of the North Central Division for the National Association for Music Education. In the past, he has presented at local, state and national music conferences.
While attending Kearney State College, Blackman participated in the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Choraleers, Chamber Singers, Nebraskats and Collegiate Music Educators National Conference.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in K-12 music education from Kearney State College in 1981 and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from Doane University. An Ainsworth native and graduate of Ainsworth High School, Blackman now lives in Stromsburg.