Gunter Gaupp ’16
Gunter Gaupp ’16 is a Memphis-based composer, guitarist, bandleader, and music teacher at Memphis Rise Academy High School. In 2025, he received The American Prize Charles Ives Award in Chamber Music, one of the nation’s premier honors for contemporary composers, for his composition Is This/This Is It written for two violins, viola, and cello. While attending Â鶹ֱ²¥, Gaupp performed as a member of the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Jazz Ensemble and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He also earned master’s degrees in music composition and teaching from the University of Memphis. Gaupp's works have been performed by ensembles throughout the United States and internationally, including loadbang, Hypercube, Julius Quartet, Ensemble PHACE, and Quijote Duo. His accomplishments include a residency with Crosstown Arts in 2022, recognition in the Memphis Flyer’s 20 Under 30 class in 2023, and a composition featured on Ann DuHamel’s Prayers for a Feverish Planet album in 2026.
Young Alumni of the Year Award
A young alum who has brought honor to Â鶹ֱ²¥ through extraordinary achievement in their profession and community is recognized with the Young Alumni of the Year Award. The award is presented during Homecoming/Reunion Weekend each October.
Eligibility and Nominations
All alumni who have not yet reached their 10th reunion are eligible for this award, and all Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumni may nominate deserving candidates. Nominations are invited from any Â鶹ֱ²¥ alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents or friends of the college. Make your nomination today by filling out the online form on the front page.
Young Alumni of the Year Award Recipients
2026 Gunter Gaupp '16
2025 Brooks Lamb ’17
2024 Kim Macharia ’18
2023 N/A
2022 Brad Hensley ’12
2021 Anna Laymon
2020 Chloe Hakim-Moore ’16
2014 Dr. Katherine L. Jameson ’05
2011 Pamela L. Casey ’03
2010 Jane H. Wells ’03
2009 Joel B. Harris ’03
2008 Matthew K. Wilder ’02
2007 James H. Flowers ’00
Rachel Wright ’02
2006 Samuel Patrick Thompson ’03
2005 Amanda Grebe Tamburrino ’98
2004 Bryan F. Coker ’95