The Texas Lutheran University School of Music was invited to apply to join the prestigious Presser Undergraduate Scholar Program this school year. Thirty-seven new institutions were accepted into the program, and TLU was one of them.
“I am thrilled beyond words, first that we were invited to apply for the program; and second, that the TLU School of Music was ultimately accepted into the Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship Program,” says School of Music Director Dr. Douglas Boyer. “The fact that the foundation is aware of the TLU School of Music, acknowledges the strength of our faculty and the quality of our program, and wants to support the wonderful things our graduates are doing is both validating and humbling. I am proud of all of my colleagues who have worked together diligently to make this possible.”
There are currently a total of 244 institutions across the nation in the program, and every year, each member institution may designate one student who exemplifies a high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrates leadership, and contributes to an inclusive community to receive a scholarship award. This year, TLU has chosen senior Music Education major Gabriella Garza.
“I am incredibly honored to be named TLU’s first Presser Scholar,” says Garza. “This honor really comes full circle in my life and music education journey.”
Less than a year ago, after undergoing surgery for thyroid cancer, Garza wasn’t sure she would ever regain full vocal ability, much less be able to sing. “But thanks to the miracle workers at MD Anderson, and the amazing and supportive music faculty at TLU who worked with me to rehabilitate my voice, I feel stronger than ever!” she says.
She’s quick to applaud Boyer for helping her to find her way back to her music. “I especially want to thank Dr. Boyer for encouraging me to never give up. He is truly the epitome of a servant leader and has been such an inspiration in my life. I am so grateful as well to the Presser Foundation. There are so few organizations that exist exclusively to support music education, and to be named one of their scholars is an honor I will work my entire career to live up to. I share this honor with my peers in our university choir program and our amazing faculty and hope it will be the start of a long legacy of Presser Scholars at TLU.”
Theodore Presser, for whom the foundation is named, is remembered not only as a music publisher, but also as a gifted musician, college professor, astute businessman, and a philanthropist who championed music education in the United States. The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the Deeds of Trust and Will of the late Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy.