20 Feb 2017 Person of the Month: Neil Rutman

City where you live: Conway.

Work: Klipsch artist in residence in piano at the University of Central Arkansas.

Community activities: Volunteer probation officer in Faulkner County Juvenile Court. I direct a court-appointed boxing club for young men on probation in the court system. Included in this club is the supervision of a grade raising program titled “The Achievers Club.”

Church activities: Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) and direct the community service program for six local congregations.

Education: Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester and the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University.

Last book you read: “History of the Middle East” by Peter Mansfield.

Favorite book: “Men to Match my Mountains” by Irving Stone.

Favorite meal: Impossible to answer. I love food!

Most cherished possession: My 1912 Mason and Hamlin Grand Piano.

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Hiking, sparring with the boxing club and watching vintage film.

Favorite quote: “Act, don’t react.”

No. 1 vacation spot: San Francisco (my hometown), Iceland or the Italian Alps.

Favorite place in Arkansas: Western side of Petit Jean by sunset.

What do you love about living in the 501: Workable, small population (I was born in San Francisco) and personable social interactions.

More information: I have great joy that comes from interactions with friends; the association with former piano students successfully expanding their careers in the U.S. and overseas; developing new friendships with UCA students; and maintaining with gusto the old ones.