There are many ways to support the Conservatory and its students.

The UMKC Conservatory is internationally recognized as a center for artistic excellence, innovation and engagement within our communities. In rehearsals, in class and on stage, our students interact with an exceptionally gifted faculty and leading visiting artists in ways that are supportive yet rigorous.

You can support these artistic pursuits in a variety of ways, from gifts to scholarships to time. Make a donation to the Conservatory.

Give a gift

Contact Us

Mark Mattison

Director of Major Gifts
Email: mattisonm@umkcfoundation.org
Phone Number: 816-235-1247

Tamara Morris

Director of Advancement
Email: morristam@umkc.edu
Phone Number: 816-235-6173

Endowments and Scholarships

The UMKC Conservatory is grateful to patrons who generously provide support for endowments and scholarships. 

Aaron Markarian/Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship

Donor: Established in memory of Aaron Markarian by friends and the UMKC Alumni Association

 

Agnes Shipman Robertson Scholarship

Donor: Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation

 

Alexander and Mary Margolis and Bernard A. Margolis Perpetual Memorial Fund for the Conservatory

Donor: Estate of Barnard A. Margolis

 

Allen W. Cronk Scholarship Fund

Donors: Family and Friends of the late Allen W. Cronk

 

Amanda Lane Harman Scholarship in Vocal Performance

Donors: Mr. and Mrs. Neal Harman and family in memory of their daughter

 

Ann M. St. John Piano Scholarship

Donor: Dr. J.D. Kelly in honor of Ann M. St. John

 

Annette and Robert Luyben Scholarship

Donors: Annette Luyben, family and friends

 

Atterbury Family Endowed Scholarship

Donors: Mary and Alan Atterbury and the Atterbury Family Foundation

 

Baker Thomas Scholarship

Donor: William Baker

 

Ballet Women's Guild Scholarship Endowment Fund

Donor: Ballet Women’s Guild

 

Barbara and Amos Roberts Endowed Scholarship

Donors: Amos and Barbara Roberts

 

Bill Baker Jr. Scholarship

Donor: William Baker

 

Bobby Watson and Pamela Baskin-Watson Scholarship in Jazz Studies

Donors: Sarah and Jim Weitzel

 

Campus Facilities Management/Lincoln College Preparatory High School Jazz Scholarship

Donor: Campus Facilities Management

 

Catherine C. Mackay Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Catherine C. MacKay

 

Catherine C. Mackay Scholarship II

Donor: Estate of Catherine C. MacKay

 

Charles Bruffy Scholarship in Choral Conducting

Donors: Friends of Charles Bruffy

 

Charles and Mary Kay Horner Scholarship

Donors: Charles and Mary Kay Horner

 

Charline Bentley and William Horace Knight Piano Scholarship

Donors: The Aeroflex Foundation and Kaye Knight Clarke in memory of her parents

 

Chautauqua Scholarship Fund

Donors: Sarah and Landon Rowland

 

Chloe Benedict Scholarship Fund

Donor: Estate of Donald Benedict

 

Claire Baldridge Memorial Endowment Scholarship

Donor: Estate of George R. Baldridge in memory of his wife

 

Clark and Ruth Achelpohl Scholarship in Jazz Studies

Donors: Clark and Ruth Achelpohl

 

Darker Face of the Earth Benefit Scholarship

Donors: Donors to “La Comedie UMKC” fundraising event

 

David Parsons Scholarship in Dance

Donors: David Parsons

 

Deborah Pavelka Hanson Music Therapy Scholarship Fund

Donors: David D. Hanson in memory of his wife Deborah

 

Dick Hyman Scholarship for Jazz Composition

Donors: John and Carol Kornitzer

 

Dickinson and Holewinski Families Endowed Scholarship

Donors: Ann K. Dickinson, Paul and Amy Holewinski

 

Dixie Lou O'Connor Morris Scholarship Fund

Donor: Phyllis M. Kraft, a former student

 

Donald W. Reynolds Foundation Scholarship

Donors: Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and Jean and John Sears

 

Dorothy Kimmell Rendina Scholarship

Donor: Phyllis and Ralph MacNaughton, family and friends

 

Dorothy Zimmer Scholarship

Donor: Dorothy Zimmer Trust

 

Dorsey and Mary Moore Jazz Scholarship Fund

Donors: Dorsey and Mary Moore

 

Douglas Enderle Honorary Scholarship in Theatre Design

Donors: Friends and colleagues of Douglas E. Enderle

               

Dr. Elizabeth Noble Scholarship

Donor: Dr. Elizabeth Noble

 

Dr. John Lee Smith, Jr. Scholarship Endowment

Donor: Dr. John L. Smith, Jr.

 

Dr. Patricia McIlrath New Theatre Guild Scholarship

Donor: New Theatre Guild

 

Dr. Shirley Ann Bean Scholarship

Donors: Marilyn and Larry McMullen in honor of Dr. Bean

 

DST Systems Conservatory Orchestra Scholarship

Donors: DST Systems, Inc.

 

Ed Fenner Memorial Jazz Scholarship Fund

Donor: Friends of Ed Fenner

 

Elizabeth Cravens Memorial Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Lorena Cravens in memory of her daughter

 

Elsberry and Gonder Families Endowed Scholarship

Donor: Elsberry Family Foundation

 

Eph Ehly Choral Conducting Scholarship

Donors: Friends and family of Professor Emeritus Eph Ehly

 

Eugene Butler Choral Conducting Scholarship

Donors: Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Butler and members of the Valley View United Methodist Church

 

Francis J. Cullinan and Baker S. Smith Jr. Scholarship

Donor: Susanne Christopher Shutz

 

Francis J. Schindler Piano Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Francis J. Schindler

 

Frederick B. Jenkins Family Scholarship

Donors: Friends and family of the late Winifred Spradling

 

Friends of the Conservatory of Music and Dance Scholarship

Donor:  UMKC Friends fo the Conservatory

 

Friends of the Conservatory Crescendo 2012 Scholarship

Donor: UMKC Friends of the Conservatory

 

Friends of the Conservatory of Music and Dance Crescendo Scholarship

Donor: Sponsors and attendees of the annual Crescendo Gala

 

Friends of the Conservatory of Music and Dance Endowed Scholarship

Donors: UMKC Friends of the Conservatory

 

Friends of the Conservatory Ovation Awards

Donors: Jane and Richard Bruening

 

George and Wendy Powell Scholarship

Donors: George and Wendy Powell

 

George F. and Mary Vee Kopf Endowed Scholarship

Donor: The late George Kopf

 

George Morgulis Memorial Scholarship

Donor: Family and Friends of George Morgulis

 

George Salisbury Jazz Scholarship

Donor: Donors to the George Salisbury Memorial Concert

 

Gerald Kemner Composition Scholarship

Donors: Friends and former students of Gerald Kemner

 

Geraldine M. Barrows Scholarship Fund

Donor: Estate of Geraldine M. Barrows

 

Gretel Sigmund Scholarship in Theatre

Donor: Estate of Gretel Sigmund

 

Guerron R. Leach Scholarship

Donors: Members of the Linwood United Church in memory of Guerron Leach

 

Lynn and Emily White Scholarship in Precollegiate Music Performance

Donor: Estate of Emily White

 

Wayne Twyman Organ Scholarship

Donor: H. Wayne Twyman

 

Hall Family Foundation Excellence in Theatre Scholarship Fund

Donor: Hall Family Foundation

 

Hardin A. Van Deursen Vocal Studies Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Hazel Van Deursen

                               

Harvey and Iola Maier Piano Scholarship

Donors: James and Dianne Maier

 

Helen S. Boylan Foundation Endowment

Donors: Helen S. Boylan Foundation and Ida Locarni and Rick and Sally Stuart

 

Helzberg Family Endowed Scholarship

Donors: Barnett and Shirley Helzberg

 

Henry Dexter Musselman Music Study Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Henry Musselman

 

Herbert Leith Stevens Memorial Endowment Scholarship

Donors: The late Zolona Stevens Moss and Dorothy Hopper in memory of their brother

 

Herbert R. Strunk Scholarship

Donor: U.S. Postal Service Federal Credit Union

 

Hilda Gibbs Scholarship

Donor: Rae Ann DeVargas

 

Honorable Karen McCarthy Theatre Scholarship

Donor: Honorable Karen McCarthy

 

Hubert J. Chartrand Piano Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Hubert J. Chartrand

 

Ingram Family Scholarship in Theatre

Donor: Ingram Family Foundation

 

Kent Barnhart Conservatory Scholarship Fund

Donors: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Fleischer

 

Scott Francis Endowed Scholarship

Donor: J. Scott Francis

 

Jack and Trudy Gabriel Endowed Scholarship

Donors: Jack and Trudy Gabriel

 

Jack R. Stephenson Music Education Scholarship

Donors: Friends and family of Professor Stephenson

 

Jackie and John Middelkamp Scholarship

Donors: John and Jacqueline Middelkamp

 

James A. Rothwell Memorial Scholarship

Donors: Friends and family of Professor James A. Rothwell

 

Jason Grant Memorial Music Scholarship

Donor: Jane Allen

 

Jay McShann Music Scholarship

Donor: Linda McShann Gerber

 

Jazz Friends / Friends of the Conservatory Scholarship

Donors: UMKC Jazz Friends and UMKC Friends of the Conservatory

 

Jazz Friends Scholarship

Donors: Jazz Friends

 

Jeanne McIlrath Finter Memorial Scholarship in Costume

Donor: Barbara Daniels

 

Jeanne McIlrath Finter Acting Award

Donor: Barbara Daniels

Scholar: Shannon Mastel

 

Jeannette Nichols UMKC Scholarship in Theatre

Donor: Jeannette Nichols

 

Jill and Donald J. Hall, Jr. Scholarship

Donor: Jill and Don Hall, Jr.

 

Jo Anna Dale Scholarship

Donor: Jo Anna Dale

 

John and Carol Kornitzer Scholarship

Donors: John and Carol Kornitzer

 

John D. Ezell Design Scholarship

Donor: John Ezell             

               

John J. Strandberg Scholarship Fund

Donor: The late Mrs. Jane Strandberg in memory of her husband

 

John Kander Scholarship in Voice Performance

Donors: Friends and Family of John Kander

 

Joseph V. Thomas Memorial Jazz Scholarship

Donors: Friends and Family of the late Joseph V. Thomas

 

JoZach J. Miller and Peter Z. Bali Scholarship

Donors: JoZach Miller and Peter Bali

 

Kansas City Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution / Marjorie Love Scholarship Fund

Donor: KC Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

 

Kansas City Civic Orchestra Endowment Fund

Donor: Kansas City Civic Orchestra

 

Katrinka Marie Sizemore Music Scholarship

Donors: Family and friends in memory of Katrinka Marie Sizemore

 

Kerry A. Strayer Scholarship Fund

Donors: Given in memory of Kerry Strayer by his wife Gailyn and many friends and family.

 

Lee and Nadine Marts Endowment Fund

Donor: Kathy L. Marts

 

Legg Family Scholarship in Jazz Studies

Donor: Stewart and Michele Legg

 

LeRoy Pogemiller Scholarship

Donors: Family and Friends of LeRoy Pogemiller, a beloved former Professor Emeritus at the Conservatory

 

Linda and Bill Eddy Scholarship in Jazz Studies

Donors: Drs. Linda and Bill Eddy

                               

Linda and Mike Lyon Scholarship

Donors: Michael and Linda Lyon

 

Linda H. and Thomas H. Talbott Scholarship for Performing Arts Excellence

Donor: Dr. Linda Hood Talbott

 

Lorraine Watson Piano Scholarship Fund

Donor: The estate of Lorraine Watson

 

Marcia Stalder Jazz Scholarship

Donor: Merle Stalder in memory of his wife, Marcia

 

Marie Dunne Memorial Scholarship

Donors: Estate of Marie H. Dunne

 

Marvin M. Milsap Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Marvin M. Millsap

 

Mary Anne Schwartz Andrews Organ Scholarship Fund

Donor: Estate of Mary Anne Schwartz Andrews

 

Mary Bainbridge Francis Second Century Scholarship

Donor: Francis Family Foundation

 

Mary Ellen Fowler Scholarship Fund

Donor: Dr. Fred D. Fowler

 

Mary Louise Knutson Scholarship Fund

Donors: Friends and Family of Mary Louise Knutson

 

Mary Zeskey Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Charles A. Zeskey

 

McKnight Family Jazz Studies Scholarship

Donors: Dr. Sidney and Carole McKnight

 

Michael Waterford Scholarship

Donor: Michael Waterford

 

Michelle Bushman New Theatre Guild Scholarship

Donor: New Theatre Guild

 

Mike A. Greene Memorial Endowment Fund

Donors: Michael and Elizabeth “Biz” Greene and family and friends of their son Mike Greene

 

Mike and Karen Herman Jazz Heritage Award Scholarship

Donors: Mike and Karen Herman

 

Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation Student Scholarship for the UMKC Conservatory

Donors: Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation

 

Morgan-Oppenstein Acting Award

Donors: Jack Morgan, Oppenstein Brothers Foundation

 

Mrs. Edward M. Douthat, Jr. Piano Scholarship

Donors: The late Mrs. Anne Douthat and RLS Illumination Fund

 

NARAS Student Music Award Endowment

Donor: National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences

 

Noah Matthew Siegel Academy Scholarship in Piano Performance

Donors: Dr. Edward and Mrs. Debra Siegel in memory of their son, Noah Matthew Siegel

 

Noah Matthew Siegel Prize for Young Composers

Donors: Dr. Edward and Mrs. Debra Siegel in memory of their son, Noah Matthew Siegel

 

Noises Off Benefit Scholarship

Donor: Donors to “Noises Off” fundraising event

 

Ollie Gates Jazz Heritage Scholarship

Donor: Gates and Sons BBQ

 

Orene Crockett Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Orene V. Crockett

 

Patricia Busler Jones Scholarship

Donors: The Jones Family

 

Patricia Crowe Morgan Acting Internship

Donor: Jack Morgan

 

Patricia Moll Thompson Scholarship

Donor: Family of Patricia Moll Thompson

 

Polsky Family Supporting Foundation / UMKC Conservatory Scholarship

Donors: Polsky Family Supporting Foundation and UMKC Friends of the Conservatory

 

R & C Charitable Foundation Scholarship

Donors: R & C Charitable Foundation

 

Rachel Drabenstott Trustees Scholarship

Donors: Friends and family of Rachel Drabenstott and the UMKC Trustees, including memorial gifts honoring Hugh Zimmer, in memory of Rachel Drabenstott

 

Rheta Sosland Hurwitt Fund

Donors: Rheta Solsand Hurwitte

 

Richard Carrothers and Dennis D. Hennessy New Theatre Guild Scholarship

Donor: New Theatre Guild

               

Richard Cass Piano Scholarship

Donor: Friends and former students in memory of the late Professor Emeritus Richard Cass

 

Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Costume Design

Donor: Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, Commerce Bank

 

Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Sound Design

Donor: Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, Commerce Bank

 

Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts Scholarship in Theatre

Donor: Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, Commerce Bank

 

Rita Meiners Oglesby and Jacqueline Meiners Meilink Scholarship Fund

Donor: Dorothy Meiners in honor of her daughters Rita and Jacqueline

 

Rodney Cover Piano Scholarship

Donor: Rodney Cover

 

Rose and Art Johnson Instrumental Music Scholarship

Donors: Dr. Thomas and Alice Miller

 

Rose Bruening Dunn Performance Scholarship

Donor: Maureen Costello

 

Ruth and Lowell Williams Endowed Scholarship

Donors: Becky and Phil Smith

 

Ruth and Lowell Williams Jazz Scholarship

Donor: Becky and Phil Smith

 

Ryan M. Greenberg Guitar Scholarship

Donor: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Greenberg and family in memory of their son Ryan M. Greenberg

 

Sally Kemper Wood Scholarship

Donor: Thomas and Sally Wood Family Foundation

 

Saragusta Ray Diggs Scholarship Fund for the Conservatory

Donor: The late Saragusta Diggs

 

Second Century Scholarship

Donors: Members of the congregation of Second Century Church

 

Sherman M. Foster Scholarship for violin and Viola

Donor: Karen Foster in memory of her husband, Sherman Foster

 

Stanley Deacon Scholarship

Donor: Former students of the late Stanley Deacon

 

Sullivan Family Foundation Dance Scholarship

Donor: Sullivan Family Foundation

 

Sullivan Family Foundation Jazz Scholarship

Donor: Sullivan Family Foundation

 

Sunderland Family Scholarship

Donor: Sunderland Family Fund

 

Suzanne Christopher Schutz Scholarship

Donor: Suzanne Christopher Schutz

 

Suzanne Shank and Martin Smoler Scholarship

Donor: Suzanne Shank and Marty Smoler

 

Tatiana Dokoudovska Scholarship in Dance

Donors: Friends and former students of the late Tatiana Dokoudovska Scholar: Erica Lohman (B.F.A. dance

 

Thomas H. Howell Piano Scholarship

Donors: Given in memory of Tom Howell by Nancy Panzer-Howell and friends and family

               

Thomas J. Wheatley Scholarship

Donor: Estate of Thomas J. Wheatley

 

Three Sisters Benefit Scholarship

Donors: Donors to “Three Sisters” fundraising event

 

Tiberius Klausner Scholarship in Strings

Donors: Family and friends of Tiberius Klausner

 

Tom and Alice Vocal Music Scholarship

Donors: Thomas and Alice Miller

 

UMKC Trustees Anniversary Scholarship

Donor: UMKC Trustees

 

Vinson Cole Vocal Scholarship

Donor: Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, Commerce Bank

 

Virginia French Mackie Scholarship Fund

Donors: Family and friends of Virginia French Mackie

 

Virginia Kelley Scholarship

Donor: Virginia Kelley

 

Virginia Kelley New Theatre Guild Scholarship

Donor: New Theatre Guild

 

Walter E. and Martha Cook Piano Scholarship

Donors: Mr. H. Wayne Twyman and friends of the late Professor Cook

 

Wanda Lathom-Radocy Music Therapy Scholarship

Donors: Dr. Lathom-Radocy, former professor and founder of the music therapy program, Dr. Rudolph Radocy, and Barbara Reynolds

 

Wiktor Labunski Scholarship

Donor: Former students of the late Wiktor Labunski

 

William and Fay Sollner Scholarship

Donors: William and Fay Sollner

 

William D. and Mary N. Grant Piano Scholarship

Donor: William D. and Mary N. Grant

 

Women's Committee for the UMKC Conservatory 2008 Scholarship

Donors: Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee Anniversary Scholarship

Donor: Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee for Conservatory Scholarship Fund

Donor: Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women’s Committee for the Conservatory/UMKC Trustee Scholars Endowment

Donor: Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/David W. Hildner Jazz Scholarship Fund

Donors: Barbara and David Hildner and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Dr. Patrick B. (Rusty) and Nancy Ryan Scholarship in Vocal Studies

Donors: Dr. Patrick and Nancy Ryan and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Dr. Wilbur B. and Mary Lou Spalding Scholarship

Donors: Wilber and Mary Lou Spalding and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women’s Committee/Emily and Richard Ballentine Scholarship

Donors: Women’s Committee and Emily and Richard Ballentine

 

Women's Committee/Esta I. (Peggy) Dix Scholarship

Donors: Jack and Trudy Gabriel and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women’s Committee/George and Linda Robbins Scholarship

Donors: George and Linda Robbins and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Jane White Brown, Lydia A. White, Mahlon Kelly White Scholarship in Piano Performance

Donors: Jane White Brown and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Janice Gartrell Scholarship

Donors: The estate of Janice Gartrell and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Joanne Baker Piano Scholarship

Donors: Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory and family, friends, and former students in memory of Joanne Baker

 

Women’s Committee/Margaret and Charles Athey Scholarship

Donors: Margaret and Charles Athey and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Martha Longmire Scholarship in Vocal Studies

Donors: Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory and family, friends and former students of Martha Longmire

 

Women's Committee/Marylou and John D. Turner Scholarship

Donors: Marylou and John D. Turner and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/O'Connor-Morris Family Scholarship

Donors: Dixie Lou Dixie Lou Morris in memory of her parents and in honor of her husband and two sons and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Ruth Anne Rich Piano Scholarship

Donors: Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory and family, friends and former students of Ruth Anne Rich

 

Women's Committee/Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Scholarship

Donors: Barnett and Shirley Helzberg and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Taylor Weary Scholarship Fund

Donors: Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Weary in honor of their granddaughter Taylor

 

Women’s Committee/Vivian Menees Nelson Scholarship In Voice

Donors: Dr. Robert Menees, Jr. and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women's Committee/Walter Jack Stelmach, M.D. and Patricia Stelmach violin Scholarship

Donors: Dr. Jack and Mrs. Pat Stelmach and friends and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory

 

Women’s Committee/Woman’s City Club Charitable Foundation Scholarship 

Donors: Woman’s City Club Foundation and the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory