Mary Chapin Carpenter to perform at installation

Grammy Award-winner and honorary member of the Princeton Class of 1949 Mary Chapin Carpenter will perform on campus today as part of the celebration to commemorate the installation of Shirley M. Tilghman as the University's 19th president.

In her career as a singer-songwriter, Chapin — as she is known to friends — has won five Grammys out of the nine for which she received nominations, two best female vocalist awards from the Country Music Association and a best female vocalist honor from the Academy of Country Music.

Equally as important though with regard to this upcoming event are Carpenter's credentials within the Princeton community. A key element of the administration's decision to invite her to perform was the fact that Princeton is a place that is near and dear to her heart.

Carpenter, who spent her childhood in the area, holds an honorary place in the Class of 1949. This is the class of which her father, Chapin Carpenter, was a member.

Even with the demands of her career, she has maintained her Princeton connections, most recently returning to play at the 250th anniversary celebration.

"We see bringing someone who reflects a bit of University history as a way to support the real impetus of the situation," said Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Students Thomas Dunne.

Dunne has spent the recent months planning and preparing for this event. He explained that though the University certainly wants the focus of the celebration to be on Tilghman, administrators also hope to emphasize that, in a broader sense, the event is meant to bring the community together.

Music critics often highlight Carpenter's ability to create music that appeals to a remarkably diverse audience, from folk, to pop, to country. Billboard.com called Carpenter "one of the few country artists, male or female, able to effectively blend attitude and sensitivity."

Tilghman herself has been attributed similar qualities in the way she pursues her administrative duties, making it particularly appropriate that Carpenter will perform in her honor.

Members of the University community are invited to Weaver Track and Field Stadium on the north side of Jadwin Gymnasium for food and festivities after the installation ceremony. Tilghman will make a brief address to the assembly at 7 p.m., after which Carpenter will perform.

"A lot of work has gone into making sure that the event is community-wide," Dunne said. "We want faculty, staff, alumni . . . everyone to feel welcome."