MENU
category: Campus News

C-N Alumna Constance Mack Wins Army-Wide Talent Competition

U.S. Army Specialist and 2009 C-N alumna, Connie Mack, wins 2012's Operation Rising Star

U.S. Army Specialist Constance “Connie” Mack ’09 is the U.S. Army’s “Rising Star,” having won the eighth season of Operation Rising Star. A student linguist stationed at the Presidio in Monterey, California, Mack bested 12 finalists over the course of last week’s competition. Modeled after FOX television’s American Idol, Operation Rising Star drew participants among soldiers, officers and family members from posts the world over.

The dozen finalists performed live daily from Dec. 8 through 15, moving through preliminary by winning votes that were cast online. The finals were based on the opinions of judges Sergeant Major of the Army (Ret.) Jack Tilley, The Voice’s Debra Byrd and country recording artist Michael Peterson.

Mack graduated from DeKalb School of the Arts before coming to C-N, where she earned a BA in music. She credits her mom as the person who most influenced her style and allows that jazz is her favorite genre of music. During her C-N years, she was part of several groups, including Women Singers, Redemption, an auditioned, ten-member troupe; and A Cappella Choir, another auditioned group for which she was a soloist and section leader who was elected by her peers to serve as president.

– Mark Brown, Alumni Relations

 

Those who know her from Carson-Newman say it is great but not unexpected news.

“Congratulations to Connie Mack on her continued excellence in singing and artistry,” said Dr. Angela Holder, Mack’s voice professor and director of Redemption. “She continues to be a very versatile singer, excelling in a variety of styles and singing with great expression and meaning. We are all very proud of her and pleased, but not surprised at this recognition.”

As 2012’s Rising Star, Mack received a cash prize and a professional studio recording session.

 

Previous Post

“Dr. Bob” encourages graduates to keep good attitude, work hard

Next Post

Dr. Terry Douglass speaks to Carson-Newman graduates

Related Posts

  • Campus News

    Carson-Newman takes top honors in national marketing and advertising awards

    Carson-Newman University’s Marketing and Communications Office was among the top winners in multiple categories in the 2022 Collegiate Advertising Awards. The Collegiate Advertising Awards is a national program recognizing higher […]

  • Campus News

    Carson-Newman students spend Spring Break helping others, sharing the gospel

    “God is at work.” That was the consensus following Carson-Newman students’ return to campus after serving on GenSend mission trips. Thirty-six students along with members of the C-N community forwent […]

  • Campus News

    Top Chef: Carson-Newman’s Chef Matt takes top spot in regional culinary competition

    Chef Matt Kuver, who serves Carson-Newman University via Aramark, took first place at the ACE Southeast Regional Competition held March 7 at the University of South Carolina. Heather Griggs, Aramark’s […]