St. Davids, PA: Eastern University is the proud recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Presser Foundation for its dedication to projects that will improve and enhance the University’s music programs.
In 2023, The Presser Foundation announced new Capital Support grants totaling $524,700 in single and multi-year grants to 20 music organizations. Grant payments made in 2023 for previous commitments totaled $604,800. Capital projects include the construction of new facilities and the renovation, repair, and/or expansion of existing facilities.
“Over the past several years, music organizations have faced numerous challenges that affected their programming and operations; however, they continue to find ways to reach audiences in new and creative ways,” said Corey R. Smith, Chair of the Capital Support Committee. “The Presser Foundation is pleased to continue supporting their engagement efforts through providing capital support for traditional building and renovation projects as well as for equipment and technology needs.”
Eastern University’s $11 million dollar capital initiative, entitled “Expanding the Humanities at Eastern University,” includes renovating Fowler Hall for the Music Department and Workman Hall for the Templeton Honors College on Eastern’s St. Davids campus. The renovated and expanded spaces will include the construction of a performance space, music practice rooms, a reception hall, and an art gallery.
Dr. Steven Ford, Chair of the Music Department and Executive Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Division, shared, “I am so thankful for the generous grant from The Presser Foundation, which reinforces their pledge to the Arts. The grant will be a strong contribution to the development initiative for our Workman Hall/Fowler Hall renovation. This project will provide support for the expansion of our Music Department at Eastern University.”
The Presser Foundation Grant is aligned with Eastern University’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2027, which includes increasing philanthropic funding as one of its main imperatives. This music capital expansion project will fortify Eastern’s efforts to update academic facilities and provide physical spaces that intersect with learning and growth.
"With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our appreciation to the Presser Foundation for their generosity, " shares Luisa Wilsman, Vice President for Advancement. “This $100,000 grant award toward our project will create a lasting impact on Eastern University students and community members who will be touched by the transformative power of music and knowledge on our campus."
Eastern University has raised 60% of the overall campaign goal in gifts and pledges and plans to break ground on this project in 2024. The university is grateful to those individuals and organizations who have already supported this project, and welcomes those who would like to partner with Eastern in this exciting capital initiative: the University’s first in over a decade.
Through the collective giving of the Eastern community, these renovated and enhanced spaces will better serve Eastern’s mission as a diverse, Christ-centered community preparing graduates to impact the world through faith, reason, and justice.
About The Presser Foundation
The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, provides philanthropic support for music and music education, in keeping with the will of its founder, Theodore Presser. The Foundation works to fund the musical arts in their many dimensions and manifestations, while striving to serve a broad and diverse community of musicians, educators, and music lovers. Broadly, The Presser Foundation provides grants from three areas (Advancement of Music, Capital Support, and Special Projects) to music organizations within a 75-mile radius of Center City Philadelphia.
About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university enrolling approximately 7,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs available online. Eastern’s core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information visit eastern.edu or contact Ally Rosario, Director of Marketing & Communications: ally.rosario@eastern.edu.