The University of New Mexico College of Fine Arts announced recently that Friends of Music, Inc. has generously established a $500,000 endowed scholarship for students attending the Department of Music. The Friends of Music/Marian Ausherman Chavez Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships for approximately 20 students in the Department of Music for generations to come.

Friends of Music, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, has been awarding scholarships to deserving musicians at the UNM Department of Music for the past 50 years. The Friends of Music board established this endowment to commemorate its 50th anniversary using an estate gift they received from Marian Ausherman Chavez, a former UNM faculty member.

Friends of Music
UNM Music Department Chair Dr. Eric Lau (far left), stands with Friends of Music board members (from l. to r.): Genelia Boenig, Myra Lynch, Calla Ann Pepmueller, Ellen Evans, Sandie Koson, Linda Hunter, R. Jeffrey Lawrence and College of Fine Arts Dean Kymberly Pinder.

“The Friends of Music has a long history of supporting scholarship at The University of New Mexico that goes back 50 years,” said Eric Lau, chair of the UNM Department of Music. “Through this generous gift, the Friends of Music will continue the tradition of giving forever. Their support is greatly appreciated and is essential to the success of our entire program.”

Over the years, the Friends of Music have presented a variety of musicales, events and performances and provided support and hospitality for Friends of Music Scholarship recipients. Hundreds of students in the UNM Department of Music have benefited from the generous support of Friends of Music scholarships for the past five decades. Through this new endowment, approximately 20 students in the Department of Music will receive financial support each year.  

“I was overjoyed when I learned I was the recipient of the Friends of Music scholarship,” said Donna Bacon, a violin major. after receiving a Friends of Music Scholarship. “This financial aid, along with both the excellent academic and musical instruction that I knew I would receive at The University of New Mexico, greatly influenced my decision to become involved in this wonderful institution”

For more information or to learn how you can support the Friends of Music/Marian Ausherman Chavez Endowed Scholarship Fund, contact Kristine Purrington, senior director of Development for the UNM College of Fine Arts, at (505) 277-7320 or email, Kristine.purrington@unmfund.org.