Scott Lykins ’09E, ’11E (MM) won a Paul R Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant for Lakes Area Music Festival’s 2025 season. The Lakes Area Music Festival sparks connections between its central Minnesota community and the nation’s top classical performers to create transformative musical experiences. Now in its 17th annual season, the Lakes Area Music Festival (LAMF) brings over 200 of the world’s top classical musicians to rural central Minnesota for three weeks of chamber music and orchestral performances, as well as an original opera production. In addition to its main stage concerts, LAMF fills this rural area with opportunities for education and enrichment areas including a week-long day camp for elementary-aged kids, free community events, and an outreach initiative which brings performances to jails, domestic abuse shelters, and elder care facilities. The festival was founded by Scott, and John Taylor Ward ’10E.