DENTON, Texas (UNT) – A new community engagement award at the University of North Texas will honor an alumnus and longtime College of Music professor who built a long legacy of selfless civic and university service.

The Bob Rogers Service and Community Engagement Award will recognize faculty or staff members whose service helps bring out the best of both the UNT and Denton communities. The award is part of an initiative to increase and recognize community engagement among students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Bob Rogers, a professor emeritus of music, died May 14 at age 91. He studied music at UNT beginning in 1939. He joined the College of Music faculty in 1948 and served until 1984. He served as an assistant dean in the college from 1969 to 1975.

"To have an award named after him would have pleased him," said his wife Daisy Rogers. "He would have said 'Oh, don't do that for me,' but it would have pleased him."

Even after retiring from UNT, Bob and Daisy Rogers, remained devoted to UNT and the College of Music. Rogers was affectionately known on campus and in the Denton community as "Piano Man," playing at fundraisers and events held by UNT and UNT's Office of the President. The couple spent many hours volunteering at the UNT Music Library, and Daisy Rogers continues this service. They have supported UNT through numerous scholarships, including a national service award for Phi Mu Alpha members that carries Bob Rogers' name.

The Bob Rogers Service and Community Engagement Award will be given at the annual Honors Day event and will include a $1,000 gift for a faculty or staff member who "brings together the best of the UNT community with the best of the Denton community through volunteerism and community engagement."