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Crane School of Music Alumni Board Honors Jamilla Fort '12 of Elmsford, N.Y., with Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award

Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award Presented to Crane School of Music Alumna Jamilla Fort '12 of Elmsford, N.Y.

Potsdam, NY (07/14/2026) — The Julia E. Crane Alumni Association at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music recently honored Jamilla Fort '12 of Elmsford, N.Y., with the Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award during Reunion 2026.

Named after Crane School of Music Dean Emeritus Dr. Lonel Woods (Hon. '21), who passed away in 2021, this award is presented to alumni who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in their workplace and/or community. Fort was honored for her extraordinary commitment to inclusion, educational equity, and the principles of peace, love and service.

About the recipient:

Jamilla Fort '12 embodies the very essence of educational leadership through her actions, advocacy and unwavering commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable communities. A proud alumna of The Crane School of Music, she exemplifies the spirit reflected in the Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award in both word and deed. Throughout her career, Fort has been a transformative force for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, leading with purpose, compassion and a steadfast belief in the potential of every individual.

In schools and communities across Baltimore, New York City, and beyond, Fort has created inclusive learning environments where students and educators alike feel seen, valued and empowered to thrive. She has secured transformative funding, including a $425,000 grant to establish an after-school tutoring and music enrichment program for underserved Baltimore City students, expanding access to high-quality academic and musical instruction for those historically denied such opportunities. By removing financial barriers and connecting students with skilled mentors, she helped ensure that talent, curiosity and determination -- not circumstance -- would define opportunity.

Fort's impact extends far beyond program development. As a mentor and instructional leader, she provides specific, actionable coaching grounded in data and humanity. She challenges educators to pursue excellence while modeling empathy, integrity and respect. Her systems-building approach has strengthened instructional alignment across schools, and has led to improved student outcomes, empowered educators, and has created pathways for future leaders to emerge and succeed.

What truly distinguishes Fort is her belief in people. She invests deeply in children and in colleagues, whose confidence and leadership capacity have flourished under her mentorship. Her work lives at the intersection of instructional excellence and educational justice. Fort leads with peace and love in action, grounded in service, resilience and an abiding belief in the limitless potential of everyone she serves.

About The Crane School of Music:

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.

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Media Attachments

Jamilla Fort poses for a portrait.

Jamilla Fort ’12 of Elmsford, N.Y., was honored with the Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award from the Julia E. Crane Alumni Association at SUNY Potsdam’s Reunion 2026.

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