March 11, 2003

Donors Establish First Distinguished Professorship at Mesa State

A generous donation has led to the creation of THE FRIENDS OF MESA STATE DISINGUISHED MUSIC PROFESSOR OF INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE, Mesa State's first distinguished professorship.

"We appreciate what Mesa State means to the cultural life of Grand Junction," commented the anonymous donors, a couple who moved to Grand Junction a few years ago. "We enjoy the musical performances at Mesa State. They are world-class performances, and it is amazing to find them in a town of this size. We hope others in the community will join with us to support this tremendous civic asset."

Distinguished professorships, similar to endowed chairs, are common at private colleges and universities; however, these professorships are fairly new at public institutions. The donors believe that Mesa State deserves the support of private donations since the school has a long history of providing cultural resources to Colorado's western slope.

"We are deeply thankful for donors who step forward with such a thoughtful gift that will benefit our campus and Grand Junction communities. It is wonderful to receive such a gift that signifies the important role that Mesa State plays in our community," explained Dr. Samuel Gingerich, Interim MSC President.

Dick Pryor, Mesa State College Foundation President, also shared his gratitude. "I know there is a tremendous amount of support in this community for Mesa State. It is wonderful to see our friends stepping forward with their support to create new opportunities for all of us."

The donation is intended to enhance music performances at Mesa State. The distinguished professorship will provide additional funds to a current faculty member to pursue their special area of interest while enhancing the repertoire and excellence of music performance at the College through performing concerts, conducting concerts, and recruiting artists to perform at the College. The concerts are to be staged so as to provide wide audience appeal and held at a time convenient for attendance by members of the community of Grand Junction, and Mesa County.

Dr. Carlos Elias, Assistant Professor of Music at Mesa State, will serve as THE FRIENDS OF MESA STATE DISINGUISHED MUSIC PROFESSOR OF INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE this year. Dr. Elias was selected by Mesa State due to his significant contributions to the College and to the music community in the Grand Valley. He has performed internationally, including a duet performance last year at Carnegie Hall with his wife, Andrea Arese-Elias, who is a music instructor at Mesa State.

"This type of planned gift, a charitable remainder annuity trust, provides a number of benefits for both the donor and the College," said Claudia Crowell, executive director of the Mesa State College Foundation. "Our donors had the foresight to choose a gift vehicle that will benefit our community for years to come."