Eastern University has received 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.

“I am so thankful for the generous grant from The Presser Foundation, which reinforces their pledge to the Arts,” Dr. Steven Ford, Chair of the Music Department and Executive Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Division. “The grant will be a strong contribution to the development initiative for our Workman Hall/Fowler Hall renovation. This project will support 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, ” said 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 percent 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.

Learn more about Eastern University, a nationally recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 7,000 students in various undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs.