Celia Goering
is honored with a Brick from Her family Glen M. Goering, Marie Jenkins, Mona Doerksen, Glen Goering & John Goering
Celia Anne Cox Goering is truly a heroine to many people. She has touched many lives, as a music teacher, as a college professor and administrator, and as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Celia was born in Caldwell, KS on July 25, 1941. She attended public schools in Wellington, KS, graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1959. Celia attended Wichita State University as a recipient of the prestigious Gore Scholarship, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1963 with a degree in piano performance. During her time at Wichita State, Celia was active in Alpha Chi Omega, Mu Phi Epsilon, and served as president of the student YWCA. Celia earned her Master of Music degree in 1965 from the University of New Mexico, where she was the Graduate Teaching Assistant in piano from 1963 – 65 and was nominated for membership in Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Lamdba.
From 1966 – 1986, Celia served on the faculty of Bethel College in North Newton, KS. She taught piano, piano pedagogy and accompanying, attaining the rank of associate professor and chairing the keyboard area of the music department. During this time, Celia played numerous piano recitals in Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. Celia founded the first professional music teachers association in the wider Newton area, the Newton Area Piano Teachers Association, in the 1970’s. Celia helped to found the South Central Kansas Music Teachers Association in 1977, eventually serving as its president twice. From 1980 – 81, she served as president of the Wichita Area Piano Teachers League, and was also president of the Kansas State Music Teachers Association from 1980 – 82.
In 1987, Celia began teaching at Butler County Community College and moved to administration there in 1994. In 1996, she left Butler to accept the position of Director of the Wichita State University West Campus. Under her leadership, the west Campus showed consistent growth over the next decade, culminating in the opening of a new West Campus building at 37th and maize Road in Spring 2006. Celia has been active in the West Wichita Rotary Club, the Council of University Women, and the Wichita state University Women’s Association, serving as that organization’s president from 2004- 2006.
Celia has continued to be involved in music throughout her life. She continues as a private piano teacher in her home, with her students winning many awards and scholarships through the years. Celia has been involved in church music for more than 50 years, serving as an organist for most of that time.
Celia has been married to Glen M. Goering (M.M.E., WSU) since 1963. They reside near Derby, where they own Pine Lake Christmas Tree Farm. They raised four children, all of whom hold at least one degree from Wichita State University, and have four grandchildren.
Honored by: Glen M. Goering, Mona Doerksen, Marie Jenkins, Glen Goering, and John Goering.
