College of Humanities & Fine Arts, CSU, Chico
Distinguished Alumni
- 2012 – Victoria “Missy” McArthur
- 2011 – Patrick W. Bultema
- 2010 – Tim McDonald
- 2009 – Joseph Hilbe
- 2008 – Olena Lacy
- 2007 – Leonard Duarte
- 2006 – Johnny Lancaster
- 2005 – Jacki Headley
- 2004 – Peggy Newfield
- 2003 – John Pugh
- 2002 – Amanda Detmer
- 2001 – Matt Olmstead
- 2000 – William J. Lyons, Jr.
- 1999 – Marilyn Warrens
- 1998 – Richard Ostlund
- 1997 – William Morris
- 1996 – Carolyn S. Shoemaker
- 1995 – Jacquelyn Giuffre
- 1994 – Cathleen Micheaels
2007 – Leonardo Perez Duarte
1995 MA Music
Current Position: Retired Educator
Leonardo Perez Duarte is a longtime Chico resident and is well-known locally and nationally as a music educator and composer. He was a high school music teacher for 38 years, 30 of which were at Chico High School where he directed the orchestra, choirs, and bands. He has been the recipient of the Music Educators of the Year award from the California Music Educators Association and the Band Director of the Year award from the Northern California Band Directors Association. He has published several books on music education, and his published musical compositions include works for band, choir, and orchestra that are performed throughout the United States.