Chris Williams (left), son of the late Helen Tinch Williams, talked with Alexander Ovitt, a sophomore Music Education major from Gasport, NY, is the 2025-26 recipient of the Helen Tinch Williams Scholarship.
The Hillman Memorial Music Association honored the memory of one of the true pioneers of the Hillman Opera – Helen Tinch Williams – at a reception prior to the Friday, Nov. 14 performance of Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Consul.”
Mrs. Williams, SUNY Fredonia Class of ʼ60, had the lead role in the inaugural Hillman Opera production, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” in 1956. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree with a major in Music Education, a master’s degree from Manhattanville College, and did additional studies at New York University.
Mrs. Williams was a vocal music educator with the Ossining, NY, public schools and an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College of Education in Purchase, NY, over the course of a 37-year career.
As a first-generation college student, Mrs. Williams sought to help others achieve the goal of a higher education. She established the Helen Tinch Williams Scholarship, and in 2022, her family established The Helen Tinch Williams Vocal Performance Fund through the Fredonia College Foundation.
Mrs. Williams passed away on Dec. 28, 2024, at the age of 85.
Joe Dan Harper, a professor in the Fredonia School of Music who serves as president of the Hillman Memorial Association Board of Directors, noted that Mrs. Williams was a distinguished alumna, mentor and patron who inspired a spirit of community engagement and generosity, brought full circle through her children and family.
Vice President for Student Affairs Tracy Stenger said Mrs. Williams created a legacy that continues to uplift the SUNY Fredonia campus and transform lives.
“Her legacy is alive,” Dr. Stenger said. “It lives on in every student who walks the halls or steps on stage and in every educator who teaches. So many opportunities for students have been made possible by her generosity.”
“Her legacy is alive. It lives on in every student who walks the halls or steps on stage and in every educator who teaches." - Vice President for Student Affairs Tracy Stenger
Among them is Alexander Ovitt, a sophomore Music Education major from Gasport, NY, this year’s recipient of the Helen Tinch Williams Scholarship, who was introduced by Dr. Sarah Hamilton, who is serving as Interim Dean of the College of Music, Theatre and Dance.
Hillman Opera Producer Don Marrazzo said Mrs. Williams’ name was always mentioned with great reverence as she was a “brilliant, kind, compassionate and thoughtful person.”
“We were thrilled to be able to dedicate this opera to her and it means a lot to have her family here,” Mr. Marrazzo said.
Speaking on behalf of the Williams family was Mrs. Williams’ son, Chris.
“My mother is with us in spirit,” Mr. Williams said, describing her as a fervent supporter of youth, education, the arts and Fredonia.
Those at the reception also heard from chair of the Music Education department, Dr. Christian Bernhard, who said the program has more than 300 students, making it the largest enrolled program at SUNY Fredonia. He further noted the program just enrolled its largest entering class in 15 years.
Director of Development Timothy L. Murphy thanked the Williams family for its support, which helped the Fredonia College Foundation provide $1.2 million in scholarships to students in 2024.
More than 700 people attended the four performances of “The Consul,” which ran from Nov. 13 to 16 in the Robert W. Marvel Theatre of Rockefeller Arts Center.
