Murray State University receives anonymous donation to support Department of Music
The anonymous gift is the largest single gift ever received by the Department of Music. The funding will support equipment acquisition and will establish two new endowed funds.
Murray State University has received an anonymous donation to support the university’s Department of Music. The donation is the largest single donation the department has ever received and will support the department in acquiring new equipment and will establish two endowed funds for student scholarships and for departmental development.
According to an article on Murray State University’s website, Dr. Mike D’Ambrosio, who serves as the chair of the Department of Music, was quoted as saying of the far-reaching benefits of this gift, “Students studying music today are tomorrow’s performers, educators, composers, music industry professionals and leaders in the arts. This gift ensures that they have the best instruments, the best instruction, and the best opportunities to grow and succeed. It affirms what we’ve always known: music matters. And at Murray State, it thrives. This donor’s vision recognizes that music changes lives—not only for those who study it, but for all who experience it. Their legacy will resonate through every rehearsal, every performance and every student who finds their voice through music at Murray State.”
Among the equipment that the donation will allow the Department of Music to purchase is a Steinway Grand Piano for the Performing Arts Hall. It will also fund various other instrument and equipment upgrades to ensure students are learning and performing on the best quality equipment.
The donation will also support the Department of Music in the long term, as well, by establishing two new endowed funds. The first, the Fund for Music Excellence, will support departmental development and program innovation. The second, the Music Scholars Endowment, will create a student scholarship for musically gifted students who are also experiencing financial need.
Dr. Bob Jackson, the university’s president, said, “This investment is truly transformational. Music has always been at the heart of the Racer experience, and this gift honors that legacy in the most profound way. It ensures our students will continue to thrive artistically, academically and professionally while enhancing our ability to serve the region and beyond as a cultural and educational resource.”
For more information about Murray State University, visit the school’s website.