5 minutes with ... L. Rexford Whiddon.

Since 1976, L. Rexford Whiddon has held nearly every position within MTNA and was this year awarded its first Distinguished Service Award. For most of his career Whiddon was at Columbus State University's Schwob School of Music, serving most recently as music chair He is currently director of major gifts for CSU's Foundation.

What sparked your passion for MTNA? (Aside from our immeasurable greatness and collective humility, of course.)

As a young college teacher, I felt I should be an active participant in my professional association. I realize now how valuable that involvement was to my future. Working at the state, division and national levels prepared me for a career in administration and fundraising.

You're also a talented gardener.

Even as a young child, I enjoyed working with flowers. This addiction helped my professional work; I did my best thinking and visionary planning in the garden. Now that my son is a professional landscaper I leave the more demanding work to his capable crew and just enjoy!

What's your fundraising secret? Wait, I know--it's that "green" thumb, right?

I have blessedly spent my entire career in one community. Nothing is more important to successful fundraising than building long-term relationships. You learn to "listen," gain credibility, then find the right project for the right donor. Once a gift is received, the relationship must be nurtured through gratitude and good stewardship.

Describe your ultimate donation fantasy--perhaps, "GATES DONATES 827 GAZILLION DOLLARS TO CSU FOUNDATION--IN ONE LUMP SUM!"?

Yes! An obscene amount of money to endow a "Fund for Excellence" for CSU's Schwob School of Music so it can move to the forefront of the country's music schools.

Describe a perfect day.

Morning coffee with my lovely wife Lynn; a little exercise at the club; arriving at work where mail is brimming with contributions; great meetings with donors excited about CSU's future; going home for a glass of good wine with Lynn and great conversations between my beautiful grandchildren and their "G-Daddy," capped by an inspiring concert at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

I'm told you're a "proper Southern gentleman."

I find comfort and fulfillment in a lifestyle often described as a "Southern way of life"--one that holds faith in the forefront, treasures family, values precious relationships with friends and hopefully will not fade with changing times and growth.

Did you really have to rent blue jeans for MTNA's Albuquerque Western-style Gala?

Alas, my jeans had not yet reached the faded stage so desired by others. The cowboy hat I purchased still awaits an appropriate occasion to wear again!

How do you find time to perform as pianist and organist?

Practice and performing are therapeutic passions. One makes time for truly important things.

Your biggest challenge?

An optimal balance between work and family.

If your career took a new twist, what could you envision? (Wine taster? Beach boat attendant? Photographer for that "special" Sports Illustrated issue?)

Any scenario would parallel the work I've done. Improving lives provides overwhelming satisfaction.

Arthur Houle is founder and director of the International Festival for Creative Pianists (www.pianofestival.org). Houle has taught at the New England and Boston Conservatories, the Universities of Iowa, North Dakota and Texas-Austin and, most recently, at Albertson College.