TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Two million dollars was donated to the Indiana State University School of Music and Student Philanthropy Organization by ISU alumnus and former Foundation Board chair, Don Dudine.
“Each individual has their own passion for giving back to Indiana State University, now and in the future,” Dudine said. “For me personally, there are three: the quality students graduating from ISU who meet the needs of communities in Indiana, my witnessing of the ISU Foundation to carry out each donor’s wishes, and the university’s commitment to seeing that deserving students get the help they need to graduate.”
In efforts to increase the success and accomplishments of band and music students, activity resources, and recruitment, $1.5 million will be given to the ISU School of Music from the Don Dudine School of Music Endowed Fund.
“We are extremely grateful to Don Dudine for his generous support of our School of Music and Student Philanthropy Organization. Don has made an indelible mark on ISU, not only through his gifts to the university but with his service as a past chair of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors. His generosity will impact Sycamore students for generations to come,” said Dr. Deborah J. Curtis ISU President.
The donation will provide greater opportunities for recruitment trips to high schools with notable band programs for ISU to perform their annual scheduled events and will allow students who are not music majors to participate in ISU’s marching band.
“Don Dudine has been a tremendous supporter and booster of our band programs and School of Music not only with this and other financial gifts he’s generously given, but as a true friend to our students and faculty,” said Director of the School of Music Ted Piechocinski. “His training and experiences at ISU obviously prepared him for not only his success as an Indiana music educator, but as a creative and very successful business entrepreneur. Mr. Dudine’s generous pledge will be of tremendous help as we find, support, train, and nurture music educators for decades and generations to come.”
The other portion of the donation will be given to the Student Philanthropy Organization (SPO) from Don Dudine ISU Student Philanthropy Initiatives Endowed Fund and will be put towards the advancement of the organization’s academic endeavors, community service projects, and philanthropic efforts.
“The generosity that Don Dudine continues to show toward the Student Philanthropy group has blessed our organization beyond measure. To know someone has trust and faith in our mission is an amazing feeling. We are proud to say he supports us; he is a prime example of what it means to Be So BOLD,” said Miah Ferran ‘22-’23 SPO President.
