The largest gift in the program’s history will have a tremendous impact on student scholarships and experiences offered in Jazz Studies.
Last night (Oct. 3), at the jazz concert performed by students in the School of Music, the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts announced a $1 million gift from Craig and Ann McDonald to the Jazz Studies Program at Texas Tech University.
The gift from the McDonalds established the McDonald Family Jazz Support Endowment which will provide funds in perpetuity for student scholarships, equipment purchases, travel for student experiences and other needs of the program.
“On behalf of the jazz faculty and the School of Music, we are truly grateful to the McDonald family for their generosity and support over these many years,” said Chair of Jazz and Associate Professor of Jazz Studies Ben Haugland. “A gift of this magnitude is transformative for our program. It furthers the art form and provides generations of musicians the opportunity to pursue jazz.”
To honor the gift from the McDonalds, ensembles from the Jazz Studies Program, the Texas Tech Jazz Orchestra and the Texas Tech Jazz Ensemble, dedicated their performance of Craig and Ann's favorite song, “That's All,” to the couple. They also presented them with a framed copy of the title page of the special arrangement to commemorate the event.
“Ann and Craig's commitment to jazz in our community and the Jazz Studies Program at Texas Tech University is remarkable,” said Director of the School of Music Andrew Stetson. “Their belief in our students and faculty has led them to take action that leaves a lasting and permanent legacy. Their generosity will allow our program to flourish, providing opportunities for talented musicians to reach their full potential and share their artistry on the global stage.”
Craig and Ann McDonald, who live in Lubbock, have always had a love and affinity for jazz music. In addition to their support of the Jazz Studies Program at Texas Tech, they have helped in various capacities with the Caprock Jazz Concert held in Lubbock each year and consider many of the musicians close friends.
The McDonalds have been long-time supporters of the School of Music through both their time and philanthropic contributions. They have attended nearly every concert held by the Jazz Studies Program, including its annual Jazz in January Concert, and have been members of the Friends of Music since 2007.
“We both just love jazz music,” Ann said, “and our parents laid a foundation for us to follow an example of investing in what you love. Being able to support jazz music, while also supporting students who want to learn and succeed, was just the perfect combination for us.”
