$5M Gift Supports 91ֱ�� Business Programs and Curriculum</h1> <article> <h1>$5M Gift Supports 91ֱ�� Business Programs and Curriculum</h1> <p>azaleski — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:43:10 +0000</p> <span>$5M Gift Supports 91ֱ�� Business Programs and Curriculum</span> <span><span>azaleski</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-01-11T14:43:10-05:00" title="Thursday, January 11, 2024 - 14:43">Thu, 01/11/2024 - 14:43</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Alan L. Wurtzel has spent his entire career helping businesses thrive. Under his leadership of Circuit City, including a 14-year tenure as CEO, the consumer electronics and appliances retailer grew into a top-performing Fortune 500 company. Wurtzel also has been an active investor in startups and served on the boards of multiple public and private companies, including Office Depot. </p> <p>Now future generations of 91ֱ�� business leaders will be able to follow in Wurtzel’s footsteps, thanks to a transformative gift made by the 1955 91ֱ�� graduate and his wife, Irene. The Wurtzels have committed $5 million to establish the Alan L. ’55 and Irene R. Wurtzel Endowed Fund for Business Education, which will provide the support necessary to enhance business education at 91ֱ��. The $5 million gift is contingent on raising an additional $5 million, as the goal is to encourage other donors to support an expanded business program at 91ֱ��.</p> <p>“We are excited and deeply grateful for this gift,” says Associate Professor of Business <a href="/node/452720">Eric Lin</a>. “In addition to academic excellence, 91ֱ�� has deep strengths in creative domains and social change. We want to build a program that complements these long-standing traditions and integrates well with the college and conservatory. And we want to introduce opportunities to build new capabilities. With this generous support, we’ll be able to do all these things—and build a world-class business program that prepares our students to make an outsized impact on the world.”</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Alan L. ’55 and Irene R. Wurtzel</figcaption> </figure> <p>Currently, 91ֱ��’s <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/business">integrative concentration in business</a> covers foundational areas including accounting, economics, management, and ethics, as well as emerging fields such as social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and technology. </p> <p>The Wurtzel Endowed Fund will allow 91ֱ�� to expand the curriculum, inclusive of business and nonprofit organizations, and provide internships, mentoring, and experiential learning. The fund will also support the <a href="/career/set/obs">Ashby Business Scholars</a>, a selective experiential learning opportunity for 91ֱ�� students that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Additionally, the fund will support salaries and benefits for faculty and staff and bring business leaders and short-term faculty to campus.</p> <p>An honorary 91ֱ�� trustee, Alan Wurtzel is widely recognized as a highly engaged, fiercely loyal, generous, and inspiring member of the 91ֱ�� community.</p> <p>“In this day and age, a college education costs in excess of a quarter of a million dollars,” he says. “Parents and students need assurance that when they graduate, they can get a job, repay any debts, and support a reasonable lifestyle. Hopefully, this gift and the matches it inspires will enable 91ֱ�� to attract a wider group of students and equip them to find meaningful employment.”</p> <p>In 2024, 91ֱ�� will create an ad hoc advisory committee of internal and external representatives to advise on the business program and focus on raising funds for the $5 million match. The committee will also be a resource for students in internships, shadowing opportunities, and mentoring.</p> <h2 class="h4">About Alan and Irene Wurtzel</h2> <p>After earning a degree in government from 91ֱ��, Wurtzel worked as a law clerk for Chief Judge David L. Bazelon of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., before becoming an associate of a Washington law firm and then serving as the legislative assistant to Senator Joseph Tydings. </p> <p>Circuit City was founded in 1949 in Richmond, Virginia, by Alan’s father, Sam Wurtzel, as a single store with only $13,000 in investment. Alan joined the business in 1966 as vice president for legal affairs, launching a 35-year career with the company that found him serving as CEO and chair of the board. In that time, Circuit City grew from $50 million to $12 billion in revenue; additionally, the company was celebrated as having one of the best-performing stocks on the New York Stock Exchange for decades and was featured in Jim Collins’ 2001 book <em>Good to Great</em>. Alan also served as a director of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., and served on the board of Office Depot from 1989 to 1996. In 2012, he published the book <em>Good to Great to Gone: The 60-Year Rise and Fall of Circuit City</em>, which chronicles the company’s history. </p> <p>Irene R. Wurtzel is an award-winning playwright and community activist. Her musical Onward Victoria, about the first woman to run for U.S. president, appeared on Broadway and off-Broadway. In 2018, 91ֱ�� opened the <a href="/irene-and-alan-wurtzel-theater">Irene and Alan Wurtzel Theater</a> in the <a href="/news/eric-baker-nord-performing-arts-annex-opens">Eric Baker Nord Performing Arts Annex</a>. Made possible by the Wurtzels’ generosity, the highly adaptable, 45,000 square-foot space accommodates up to 300 guests for performances by 91ֱ��’s dance, theater, and vocal studies programs.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Newly established fund, made possible by Alan ’55 and Irene Wurtzel, encourages additional support to 91ֱ��.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-01-16T12:00:00Z">Tue, 01/16/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3346">Advancement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2419">Giving</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3955">Ashby Business Scholars</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25341">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/eric-lin" hreflang="und">Eric Lin</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/business" hreflang="und">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/economics" hreflang="und">Economics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The Alan L. ’55 and Irene R. Wurtzel Endowed Fund for Business Education will provide the support necessary to enhance business education at 91ֱ��.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Lorenzo Ciniglio</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Homecoming and Reunion 2023: The Weekend in Pictures</h1> <p>jstrauss — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:27:20 +0000</p> <span>Homecoming and Reunion 2023: The Weekend in Pictures</span> <span><span>jstrauss</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-10-16T15:27:20-04:00" title="Monday, October 16, 2023 - 15:27">Mon, 10/16/2023 - 15:27</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Obie alums spanning generations returned for Homecoming and Reunion at the tail end of September. The gorgeous autumn weekend provided a fitting backdrop for festive celebrations all over campus: performances by conservatory musicians and others, catching up with old friends, dropping in on favorite spots, taking part in classes and reunion cluster activities, mixing with current students, cheering on our athletic teams, and basking in the glow of Illumination and fireworks.</p> <p>Following are a few highlights from the weekend’s festivities. Find many more on our official <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAXa4C">Flickr page</a>.</p> <p>See yourself or Obie friends? Tell us about it at <a href="mailto:alum.mag@oberlin.edu?subject=Memories%20of%20Homecoming%202023...">alum.mag@oberlin.edu</a>!</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Alums from near and far returned for three days of all things Obie.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-10-16T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/16/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3346">Advancement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3902">Homecoming</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2394">Commencement/Reunion Weekend</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2368">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2771">Athletics</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">There were smiles for miles at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-cte-images field--type-list-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yes (Gallery Style)</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Marti Hwang</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-33584" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-cont-img-section paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images photoswipe-gallery"> <div class="o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <div class="image-grid image-grid--single-caption pull"> <div id="obj-31742" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-image-row paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <div class="image-row"> <div class="image-row__images" data-cols="3"> <div id="obj-29945" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/homecoming_reunion_compressed-05.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="1024" data-pswp-height="681"> </a> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-29946" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/homecoming_reunion_compressed-04_0.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="1024" data-pswp-height="681"> </a> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-29947" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/homecoming_reunion_compressed-02_0.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="1024" data-pswp-height="681"> </a> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="obj-31743" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-image-row paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <div class="image-row"> <div class="image-row__images" data-cols="3"> <div id="obj-29948" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/homecoming_reunion_compressed-06_0.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="1024" data-pswp-height="681"> </a> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-29949" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/oberlin_orchestra_homecoming_reunion_weekend-143.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="5000" data-pswp-height="3333"> </a> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-29950" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/homecoming_reunion_compressed-01_1.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="1024" data-pswp-height="681"> </a> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="obj-31744" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-image-row paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <div class="image-row"> <div class="image-row__images" data-cols="3"> <div id="obj-29951" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/homecoming_reunion_compressed-09_1.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="1024" data-pswp-height="681"> </a> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-29952" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/homecoming_reunion_compressed-08_0.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="1024" data-pswp-height="681"> </a> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-29953" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/20230930_illumination_abefrato_3_large.jpeg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="1280" data-pswp-height="854"> </a> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="obj-31745" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-image-row paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <div class="image-row"> <div class="image-row__images" data-cols="3"> <div id="obj-29956" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/img_6721.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="5184" data-pswp-height="3456"> </a> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-29955" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/23-09-30_contact_and_first_half_of_banquet_photos_alumni_weekend_jonathan_clark_028.jpeg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="6048" data-pswp-height="4024"> </a> </figure> </div> <div id="obj-29957" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--photoswipe-images"> <figure> <a href="/sites/default/files/content/figure/5th_cluster_at_slow_train-18.jpg" class="photoswipe" data-pswp-width="5000" data-pswp-height="3333"> </a> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="figcaption"> <div class="figure__caption"> <p>Scenes from 91ֱ��’s Homecoming Reunion Weekend: September 29-October 1, 2023.</p> </div> <div class="figure__credit"> Photo credit: Marti Hwang, Jonathan Clark, Cady Hurlbert, Yevhen Gulenko </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>$1.6M Gift Supports Endowed Fellowship in Jazz History at 91ֱ�� Conservatory</h1> <p>eburnett — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:32:18 +0000</p> <span>$1.6M Gift Supports Endowed Fellowship in Jazz History at 91ֱ�� Conservatory</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-02-16T16:32:18-05:00" title="Wednesday, February 16, 2022 - 16:32">Wed, 02/16/2022 - 16:32</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>For more than a decade, the generosity of James R. and Susan Neumann has led to incomparable opportunities for 91ֱ�� students to study the history of jazz. Now a new gift from the Neumanns will offer additional paths to explore the quintessentially American art form.</p> <p>The Neumanns, who in 2011 gifted to 91ֱ�� an <a href="https://libraries.oberlin.edu/libraries/conservatory-library/special-collections/collections/the-james-r-and-susan-neumann-jazz-collection/about-the-collection">extensive collection</a> of more than 100,000 recordings, books, posters, and other artifacts chronicling the history of jazz, have donated $1.6 million to establish a fund supporting the creation of an endowed conservatory faculty position in jazz history. An allocation of $100,000 of the overall gift will support the Neumann Jazz Collection.</p> <p>The newly endowed fund makes possible the creation of a postdoctoral fellowship. Each fellow will be appointed for a two-year period on an ongoing basis, and will teach two courses on specialized topics in jazz history. Those courses will draw upon the conservatory’s expansive archival materials provided by the Neumanns and others. In addition, each fellow will pursue individual research, which will involve 91ֱ�� students.</p> <p>“I’m delighted that, through this generous gift, we will be able to expand our offerings in jazz history in such a meaningful and enduring way,” says Dean of the Conservatory <a href="/node/49511">William Quillen</a>.</p> <p>“Increasing the number of academic courses dedicated to jazz history has been an interest of numerous members of our community here at 91ֱ��—and a particular interest of mine—and I’m thrilled that we are able to achieve such a goal through the addition of bright new faculty members. The generous, longtime support of Jim and Susan Neumann has been instrumental to the development of the unrivaled opportunities for jazz study that exist at 91ֱ��.”</p> <p>The endowment of 91ֱ��’s jazz history faculty position coincides with news of a newly developed <a href="/node/387996">minor course of study in African American music</a> created in tandem with the Conservatory of Music and the College of Arts and Sciences. Later this spring, the conservatory will appoint a new tenure-track faculty member in African American and African diasporic music.</p> <p>“The gift provided by Jim and Susan Neumann marks a new era for the appreciation of jazz at 91ֱ�� and ultimately beyond,” says <a href="/node/29976">Deborah Campana</a>, head of the Conservatory Library—which houses the conservatory's <a href="https://libraries.oberlin.edu/collections/special-collections">Special Collections</a>—and director of the Division of Musicology. “The Conservatory Library is grateful for the generous support of the collection itself. At the same time, we look forward to working with a new colleague who will inspire students’ thinking about jazz as they navigate the rich resources represented in this unparalleled collection.”</p> <p>A lifelong jazz enthusiast, James Neumann promoted jazz concerts at 91ֱ�� as a student in the mid-1950s. He has maintained close ties to his alma mater in the decades since his graduation.</p> <p>“It is fortuitous that this gift is going to the school where I graduated from,” he said in January from his home in suburban Chicago. “It is a wonderful way to come full circle, just an incredible piece of good fortune for me, and I hope for 91ֱ�� too."</p> <hr> <p><em>91ֱ�� Conservatory’s newly endowed faculty position in jazz history continues the institution’s ongoing efforts to expand curricular diversity and support inclusion. Learn more about 91ֱ��'s commitment in the <a href="/node/410371">Presidential Initiative on Racial Equity and Diversity</a> and the <a href="/dean-of-the-conservatory/racial-equity-diversity-action-plan">conservatory’s Racial Equity and Diversity Action Plan</a>.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">New role made possible by James R. ’58 and Susan Neumann.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-02-16T12:00:00Z">Wed, 02/16/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3448">Conservatory Special Collections</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3346">Advancement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3450">Conservatory Library</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=34691">Jazz Performance</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=34896">Jazz Composition</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/william-quillen" hreflang="und">William Quillen</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/jazz-studies" hreflang="und">Jazz Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/musicology" hreflang="und">Musicology</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The James R. and Susan Neumann Jazz Collection at 91ֱ�� consists of more than 100,000 recordings spanning the complete history of jazz.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">James R. and Susan Neumann Jazz Collection</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>$1.4M Gift Supports 91ֱ�� Flute Students</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 16:31:46 +0000</p> <span>$1.4M Gift Supports 91ֱ�� Flute Students</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-12-03T11:31:46-05:00" title="Friday, December 3, 2021 - 11:31">Fri, 12/03/2021 - 11:31</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Robert Willoughby, the unsurpassed teacher, performer, mentor, and colleague, served as professor of flute at 91ֱ�� for 37 years. His legacy, in addition to the 200 flutists who studied with him during the course of his long career, lives on in the Robert Willoughby Flute Scholarship Fund, endowed in 2017.</p> <p>An anonymous donor has now infused that fund with an additional $1.4 million—a remarkable gift that exponentially increases the overall value of the fund to more than $1.5 million and allows for the awarding of a full scholarship each year.</p> <p>“This gift will make an 91ֱ�� Conservatory education available to deserving students for years to come,” says Dean of the Conservatory <a href="/node/49511">William Quillen</a>. “We are grateful beyond words to the donor for their extraordinary gift and for helping transform the lives of students.” </p> <p>The Willoughby Fund supports talented flute students intending to major in flute performance at 91ֱ��. It was established in recognition of Willoughby's significant accomplishments as a teacher and his impact on the world of classical music.</p> <p>91ֱ�� flute professor <a href="/node/7131">Alexa Still</a> was part of the cadre behind the establishment of the scholarship fund in 2014, along with former Willoughby students Wendy Rolfe ’74 and Katherine Borst Jones and 91ֱ�� Baroque flute professor <a href="/node/6666">Michael Lynn</a>.</p> <p>Still is awestruck by the recent gift. “I cannot find words to describe the joy and relief that this gift will bring to the flute students who deserve to be at 91ֱ�� but would otherwise be prevented by financial challenges,” she says. “This gift is literally a life-changer for them.”</p> <p>Willoughby’s son John, another essential figure in establishing and supporting the Willoughby Fund, maintains a <a href="https://robertwilloughby.com">website</a> dedicated to his father’s work and life, and also incorporates tributes from the students Willoughby shepherded.</p> <p>“A scholarship recipient himself, my father understood the importance of making music education available, regardless of financial constraints,” says Willoughby. “My father dedicated his life to bringing music into the world and taught until a few weeks before his death at 96. His success speaks for itself, as his students have gone on to staff the world’s leading orchestras and educational institutions. This incredibly generous donation is a huge step toward making even more aspiring flutists’ dreams come true.”</p> <p><em>Contributions to 91ֱ�� Conservatory or the Robert Willoughby Flute Scholarship Fund can be made through the <a href="https://advance.oberlin.edu/donate"> 91ֱ�� Giving page</a>. For more information, contact Conservatory Giving Director Sally Takada at stakada@oberlin.edu or 440-775-5475.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Anonymous donation augments previously established Robert Willoughby Flute Scholarship Fund.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-12-10T12:00:00Z">Fri, 12/10/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3346">Advancement</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35911">Flute</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/alexa-still" hreflang="und">Alexa Still</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/winds-brass-and-percussion" hreflang="und">Winds, Brass, and Percussion</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">91ֱ�� flutists perform with the 91ֱ�� Orchestra in Chicago's Symphony Center in 2016. The orchestra returned to the road in 2019 for a performance in New York's Carnegie Hall.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Conservatory Launches Dolores '54 and Donald '57 White Prize</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:20:59 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Conservatory Launches Dolores '54 and Donald '57 White Prize</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-11-12T10:20:59-05:00" title="Friday, November 12, 2021 - 10:20">Fri, 11/12/2021 - 10:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Throughout their long and distinguished careers, Dolores and Donald White overcame artistic and social barriers they encountered in numerous settings: from the classrooms where they learned and taught, to the stages where Mr. White performed as a cellist for the Cleveland Orchestra.</p> <p>They were Black artists making their way in a classical music world populated overwhelmingly by white men for many years, and they took each new step in their journey with great enthusiasm and curiosity.</p> <p>Now Mrs. White is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that future generations of young artists at 91ֱ�� are empowered to do the same.</p> <p>Mrs. White, a 1954 graduate of 91ֱ�� Conservatory who devoted her professional life to performing, composing, and teaching music, has established a prize fund to support student performance-based projects that elevate 91ֱ��’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—key initiatives throughout the institution’s history that continue to be a top priority.</p> <p>All conservatory students will be eligible to vie for the Dolores '54 and Donald '57 White Prize. An annual winner will be determined by a panel of 91ֱ�� faculty and staff who represent a diversity of perspectives and expertise. Winners will be selected on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—in particular their demonstration of these values in musical programming and artistic work—and demonstrated excellence in musical performance. One winner will be selected annually to receive a cash prize recognizing a performance-based project. </p> <p>The inaugural prize will be awarded in the 2022-23 academic year; additional details about the prize will be announced at a later date.</p> <p>All participating students will be encouraged to explore the catalog of Mrs. White’s compositions and program a work of hers for performance, though no stipulations on repertoire will be imposed.</p> <p>“We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. White for her generous gift and for the far-reaching effect it will have on 91ֱ�� and our students,” says Dean of the Conservatory <a href="/node/49511">William Quillen</a>.</p> <p>“The Dolores and Donald White fund and prize will inspire students, catalyze future work, and recognize their accomplishments for years to come. It will be transformative for their lives and for the life of our institution, and we are deeply thankful to Mrs. White for the inspiration she brings now and will continue to bring through this generous gift.”</p> <p><strong>A Life of Learning</strong></p> <p>A native of Chicago, Dolores White was influenced at a young age by the life and career of Natalie Hinderas ’45, the acclaimed 91ֱ��-born pianist and educator recognized by <em>The New York Times </em>as "one of the first black artists to establish an important career in classical music." Hinderas’ early recital tours across the continent included church concerts in Black communities; one of those was at a Chicago church attended by an adolescent Mrs. White and her family.</p> <p>Mrs. White was also inspired by artists she first viewed as role models and who later became her friends: Frances ’45 and George Walker ’41. The careers of these sibling graduates were marked by countless firsts among Black artists, including George Walker’s 1996 Pulitzer Prize for composition. Frances Walker, the first tenured Black female professor at 91ֱ��, taught piano in the conservatory from 1976 to 1991.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Dolores White devoted great time and energy<br> to supporting the career of her husband,<br> Cleveland Orchestra cellist Donald White.<br> (photo courtesy Dianna White-Gould)</figcaption> </figure> <p>After beginning her education at Howard University, Mrs. White transferred to 91ֱ��, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in piano performance. Years later, she completed a master’s degree in piano and composition at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She taught from 1972 to 2000 at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, where she introduced a course on African American music—a move inspired more by her own enthusiasm to learn than by an existing aptitude for the subject.</p> <p>“I’m not exceptional,” she declares matter-of-factly when asked about her legacy. “I wasn’t an exceptional pianist. But I’ve always thought the average person needs to know about different cultures. It’s important to have exposure to different music, different genres, and different histories.” It’s a key reason she has immersed herself in world cultures for years, through her musical interests and through travel and study in destinations including Africa, Cuba, and South America.</p> <p>By the late 1980s, Mrs. White had reached a confidence in her compositional voice and started securing prizes at competitions. She describes her work as centered in a Western art music tradition and reaching into the rich resources of American music that draws on ethnic and international materials. In 1993 she was commissioned by the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra to write an orchestral piece for the centennial celebration of the Chicago World’s Fair; the resulting work, <em>Salute to the Arts</em>, was premiered at the Cleveland Museum of Art.</p> <p>Her composition <em>Give Birth to the Dream</em>, inspired by the Maya Angelou poem “On the Pulse of Morning,” was commissioned by the Cleveland Orchestra and performed on Martin Luther King Day 1998 at Cuyahoga Community College. Her works have been presented by the Detroit Symphony, Dallas Symphony, and Cleveland Chamber Symphony, as well as vocal and chamber ensembles.</p> <p>Mrs. White has presented at numerous conferences, including the Feminist Theory and Music Conference and at the 90th anniversary of the National Association of Negro Musicians—the organization so influential in exposing her to Hinderas and other classical musicians in her youth. Earlier this year, she was the state of Ohio’s winning composer in the Franz Liszt International Piano Festival and Competition; her work <em>Sound Echoes</em> was performed by each contestant in the competition, with a prize awarded for the best performance.</p> <p><strong>“We Were Different, and I Can Understand That”</strong></p> <p>Raised in a large family in Richmond, Indiana, Donald White served in the U.S. Navy before earning a degree in music at Roosevelt University in Chicago and a master’s degree at the University of Hartford, through which he earned the role of assistant principal cellist of the Hartford Symphony. In 1957 he won a seat in the Cleveland Orchestra under legendary music director George Szell. He was the famed orchestra’s first Black member and one of the first Black members of any major orchestra in America.</p> <p>Mr. White’s resilience and that of the orchestra was tested in 1961 when an appearance in Birmingham, Alabama, was nearly canceled because local law forbade interracial performance. The orchestra refused to perform without Mr. White, and the mayor interceded to overrule the ordinance.</p> <p>Throughout his long career, Mr. White stoically experienced numerous occasions of racism—as well as unwavering support from the Cleveland Orchestra and others.</p> <p>For many years, Mrs. White devoted her efforts to supporting her husband’s career, including frequent chamber music performances together. She, too, weathered instances of racism and sexism—and limited opportunities—in her ongoing education and in other settings. But she has endured to age 89 with no trace of lingering bitterness. For much of their lives, she fondly recalls, they were treated almost like royalty by many.</p> <p>“We had to prove to the audiences of Cleveland that we belonged there,” she says of their early years together. “We were different, and I can understand that.</p> <p>“We had to perform because we were on display as Black people. The newspapers were full of stories about ‘the first Black man in the Cleveland Orchestra,’ and other members of the orchestra were asked if they <em>minded</em> playing with a Black person.</p> <p>“It wouldn’t have mattered if they wanted to play or not,” she adds with a sly smile. “If George Szell was in, there was nothing they could do.”</p> <p><strong>“A Tremendous Feeling”</strong></p> <p>Mr. White retired from the Cleveland Orchestra in 1996 after a 39-year career. In the years that followed, the Whites remained active educators at the nonprofit Music Settlement in Cleveland. He also taught at the College of Wooster and at Western Reserve Academy, and enjoyed serving as an adjudicator for the Sphinx Organization, a leading supporter of classical music careers for Black artists. Mr. White died in 2005.</p> <p>“My husband and I loved what we were doing,” Mrs. White says. It’s a theme that resonates throughout talk of their lives together.</p> <p>She remembers 91ֱ�� fondly as a place where individuals of all cultures and backgrounds could thrive in ways that seemed all but impossible elsewhere. Her gift to the conservatory stems from her enduring sentiment that the same holds true today.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Dolores White attended a November 10 rehearsal of<br> her work "Crystal Gazing," performed by 91ֱ��'s<br> Contemporary Music Ensemble on November 12.<br> (photo by Tanya Rosen-Jones '97)</figcaption> </figure> <p>She returned to campus this month for a performance of her orchestral work <em>Crystal Gazing</em>, which was commissioned by the Cleveland Chamber Symphony and completed in 1998. It was rehearsed and performed in 91ֱ��’s Finney Chapel—a favorite haunt in her student years—by the Contemporary Music Ensemble, under the direction of Timothy Weiss. Mrs. White and her children, daughter Dianna White-Gould ’84 and son Darrow White, visited campus the week of the performance.</p> <p>“It’s a tremendous feeling,” Mrs. White says of the opportunity to give back to 91ֱ�� through the White Prize. “It means that all the decisions I made—as far as coming to 91ֱ��, making the decision to stay here, and enjoying it—all the things I’ve encountered have really blossomed. And I feel truly indebted.”</p> <p><em><strong>For more information about 91ֱ��’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please read the <a href="/about-oberlin/presidential-initiative-racial-equity-and-diversity">Presidential Initiative on Racial Equity and Diversity</a> and the conservatory’s <a href="/dean-of-the-conservatory/racial-equity-diversity-action-plan">Racial Equity and Diversity Action Plan</a>, both published in 2020.</strong></em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Annual honor supports student leadership in elevating diversity through performance-based projects.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-11-12T12:00:00Z">Fri, 11/12/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Erich Burnett</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3346">Advancement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2974">Conservatory Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2499">Competitions</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=29541">Piano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/keyboard-studies" hreflang="und">Keyboard Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Dolores White '54 returned to 91ֱ�� in November 2021 for a performance of her composition "Crystal Gazing" by the Contemporary Music Ensemble. She is seen here seated at the piano in Stull Recital Hall.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� College #13 Nationally Among Liberal Arts Schools in New College Rankings</h1> <p>swargo — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 21:49:20 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� College #13 Nationally Among Liberal Arts Schools in New College Rankings</span> <span><span>swargo</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-01-29T16:49:20-05:00" title="Friday, January 29, 2021 - 16:49">Fri, 01/29/2021 - 16:49</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>A new college rankings source that measures the work and influence of faculty and alumni places 91ֱ�� among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. </p> <p>In its initial ranking released in January 2021, <a href="https://academicinfluence.com/articles/schools/best-liberal-arts-colleges-universities">Academic Influence</a> places 91ֱ�� thirteenth among the top 1,240 liberal arts colleges in the United States. Ross Peacock, assistant vice president for institutional research and planning sees this as a unique entry in the rankings industry. "The notion of measuring the influence that a school's faculty and alumni have, speaks to the central mission of colleges such as 91ֱ��—to prepare students to meet challenges and to make positive and meaningful contributions to their communities and the world."</p> <p>Developed by a team of academics and data scientists, Academic Influence looks to provide an objective, non-gameable influence-based ranking for the people, schools, and disciplines that make up higher education. The system is based on the idea that the people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great or what Academic Influence calls "concentrated influence."</p> <p>Academic Influence searches open-source data in Wikipedia and CrossRef that look at scientific and scholarly articles to determine how influential people are in a particular field. It then looks at where these individuals went to school or where they work as professors to develop a combined influence score for a college or university. To develop a concentrated influence score, the combined influence score of an institution's faculty and alumni is divided by the school's number of undergraduates. Academic Influence believes this gives smaller schools an opportunity to "shine" by taking away the size advantage of a larger school.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-01-29T12:00:00Z">Fri, 01/29/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Scott Wargo</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2556">Admissions</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3346">Advancement</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dale Preston '83</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>New Endowed Scholarship for Voice Students Established</h1> <p>eburnett — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 20:55:38 +0000</p> <span>New Endowed Scholarship for Voice Students Established</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-02-21T15:55:38-05:00" title="Friday, February 21, 2020 - 15:55">Fri, 02/21/2020 - 15:55</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Professor Daune Mahy retired in 2019 after devoting 39 enthusiastic years to nurturing voice students at 91ֱ�� Conservatory. Today, the teacher renowned for her unstinting championship of vocalists at 91ֱ�� continues to do so through the Daune Mahy Endowed Scholarship for Voice Students at 91ֱ�� Conservatory.</p> <p>“For four decades, 91ֱ�� voice students were the fortunate beneficiaries of a model pedagogue and devoted mentor in Professor Mahy,” says Dean William Quillen. “We are all so very grateful for her stewardship of 91ֱ�� students, made possible through this gift.”</p> <p>The annual scholarship established with Mahy’s gift will serve to make an 91ֱ�� education more accessible for generations of voice students.</p> <p>Professor of Voice <a href="/salvatore-champagne">Salvatore Champagne ’85</a>, who has served in the voice department with Mahy since 2004, adds, ‘‘Daune Mahy’s tenure at the conservatory was characterized by fierce dedication and a great generosity of spirit. It does not surprise me that my former colleague would want to continue her support of 91ֱ��’s voice students beyond her retirement. We are fortunate and privileged to be the beneficiaries of Daune’s legacy and grateful for her continued devotion to the Vocal Studies Division.’’</p> <hr> <p>If you would like to honor Daune Mahy with a gift to the fund, visit <a href="https://advance.oberlin.edu/donate">https://advance.oberlin.edu/donate</a>. (Under ‘‘In Support Of,’’ select ‘‘Other,’’ then type in ‘‘Daune Mahy Endowed Scholarship’’)</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-02-21T12:00:00Z">Fri, 02/21/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cathy Partlow Strauss ’84</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Retired Professor Daune Mahy makes gift in support of 91ֱ�� Conservatory students.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3346">Advancement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2419">Giving</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=35596">Voice</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=32971">Opera Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/salvatore-champagne" hreflang="und">Salvatore Champagne ’85</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/vocal-studies" hreflang="und">Vocal Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Daune Mahy’s retirement celebration in spring 2019 gave her an opportunity to celebrate her former students.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Scott Shaw</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>