$1.5 Million bequest to sustain memorial scholarships

According to Christine Mueseler, SHU’s vice president for Institutional Advancement, Farmer, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, “created the scholarships because his sister’s life was transformed at [SHU]. His sister, Jean, was a talented musician and Farmer’s love of music grew as a result of his sister’s dedication to her studies. By establishing scholarships at [SHU], for musicians, in particular, it was Mr. Farmer’s hope to help other students transform their lives as well.”

By Cody Naylor

Contributor

According to Christine Mueseler, SHU’s vice president for Institutional Advancement, Farmer, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, “created the scholarships because his sister’s life was transformed at [SHU]. His sister, Jean, was a talented musician and Farmer’s love of music grew as a result of his sister’s dedication to her studies. By establishing scholarships at [SHU], for musicians, in particular, it was Mr. Farmer’s hope to help other students transform their lives as well.”

According to Kary L. Coleman, Director of Media Relations and Communications for the University, “These scholarships help talented students with financial need. The scholarships provide assistance to students studying or majoring in music, English, philosophy, or the liberal arts,“ said Coleman.

Coleman went on to emphasize that in light of the agreement with Farmer, SHU “must adhere to his intentions as closely as possible” when selecting the recipients of both the Jean L. Farmer ‘43 Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Irene S. Farmer Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Dr. Curt Scheib, Professor of Music, is particularly excited about the sizeable addition to these two scholarships, hoping that they “will help [SHU] recruit outstanding music students.”

Scheib also points out that as “These scholarships have been established as we prepare to open the Performing Arts Center,” Scheib said,” [It], is a wonderful pairing of providing students with a wonderful facility and assisting them financially.”

Dr. Dennis Jerz, Associate Professor of English and Setonian Advisor, is also excited about Farmer’s generosity. and had this to say: “There aren’t a lot of corporations who fund research projects into Shakespeare or Bach or Plato, so I’m excited that this scholarship will help support students who have a desire to learn about these areas of human culture,” Jerz said. “. . . Knowing that someone out there thought highly enough of these programs to make such a substantial donation is a validation of the good work that SHU students are doing, in the classroom and in the community, and a testament to the positive environment that nurtures and challenges student talents.”

University Students should note that there are no applications for the scholarships.
According to Maryann Dudas, Director of Financial Aid, “Awards are made by the Financial Aid Office to students who meet the criteria of the scholarships as designated by the donor,” said Maryann Dudas, Director of Financial Aid. Dudas also points out that once obtained, the scholarships are renewable year after year “as long as the student continues to meet the basic criteria and makes academic progress in their studies as defined in the [SHU] catalog.”

While the first awards were actually given in the 2008-2009 school year, Farmer’s final bequest will ensure that this scholarship will remain intact for many years to come.