August 1, 2014—A $125,000 gift from Eugene-area arts donors Niles and Mary Ann Hanson will guide students seeking a music degree on their path from community college to a four-year university environment.
The Niles and Mary Ann Hanson Scholarship in Music, which will be pledged over five years, will provide $25,000 per year to aid students in making the transition from Lane Community College to the music major program at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. The Hansons also provide funding for music scholarships at LCC.
The UO scholarship, which will go into effect in 2015, will serve as an important leg up for students in the LCC music program who wish to advance their education to the university level.
Lane Community College serves as the major source of music transfer students to the UO School of Music and Dance. This new agreement will deepen the already-effective partnership between the two institutions. In the event there are no suitable transfer students from Lane in a given year, awards will be given to students transferring from any community college in Oregon.
“It's a partnership of balance, stability, and strength,” Mary Ann Hanson said of the gift.
“It's a great opportunity to stand equal with passionate students and great faculty and staff at both LCC and the UO SOMD,” Hanson continued.
Niles and Mary Ann Hanson are previous donors to the SOMD, offering a $25,000 gift in 2005 to name a trumpet teaching studio after Niles' father, Milo Hanson. The couple are members of the SOMD’s Advancement Council, a volunteer committee of community members that advises the school’s administration on matters of fundraising. Niles Hanson served as the council’s chair from 2009-12.
Mary Ann Hanson serves on the Board of Directors for the Eugene Symphony. The Hansons are also involved with the Eugene Symphonic Band and Oregon Brass Society.