The Liberace
Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization, has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to 15 U.S. colleges and
universities for disbursement to students excelling in the areas of music,
theatre, dance, fashion design and the creative arts in the 2009-2010 academic
year. The scholarship recipients are:
Bard College
Music Department
California
State University, Sacramento Department of Music
Columbia
College Chicago
Columbia
University School of the Arts, Theatre Arts Division
Columbus
College of Art & Design
Manhattan
School of Music
Northern
Illinois University Department of Music
The Peabody
Institute of the John Hopkins University
University
of Missouri
University
at Buffalo, SUNY
University
of Nevada Las Vegas
University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Music
University
of Oregon School of Music and Dance
University
of Rochester Eastman School of Music
Viterbo
University Music Department
“Liberace
considered his Foundation one of his greatest achievements during his 47 years
of performing for millions around the world, and our new Liberace Scholars are
presented this opportunity to help them pursue their own talent and artistry,”
said Jack Rappaport, Liberace Foundation Board Chair.
Since its
inception in 1976, the Liberace Foundation has awarded in excess of $5.7 million
in scholarships and touched the lives of more than 2,700 students at over 120
colleges and universities. Annually, universities, colleges and arts
organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the areas of
music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts are encouraged to apply for a
Liberace Foundation Scholarship. The monies are then awarded by the
institutions to students who are deemed “Liberace Scholars” for the academic
year.
Liberace,
born Walter Valentino Liberace in West Allis, Wis., received a scholarship
arranged by renowned Polish pianist Paderewski at the Wisconsin Conservatory of
Music. At age 20, he debuted with the Chicago Symphony under the direction of
Frederick Stock. In his 1977 book entitled “The
Things I Love,” Liberace wrote, "a lot of good things have happened
to me in show business, and I want to do what I can to give others just starting
out a career boost. I hope The Foundation projects will continue into the future
to offer gifted newcomers financial help, and in many cases, artistic exposure
as well."
The Liberace
Foundation is supported by private donations from individuals, corporations,
individual Liberace fans, fan clubs, and admirers globally. The glittering
Liberace Museum, which commemorated its 30th anniversary on April 15,
is also a significant funding source for the Foundation. All donations are tax
deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. For more information and to
become a supporter of the Liberace Foundation, call (702) 798-5595 ext. 16, or
visit the website,
www.Liberace.org.
