Endowment established by Jensen family will be supported by ISU College of Arts and Letters New Year’s Eve Gala

POCATELLO – The College of Arts and Letters at Idaho State University started the New Year’s Eve Gala in 2013 to help raise money for student scholarships in the arts. The event has been made possible by donations from businesses and ticket sales. This year, an endowment was established by the Jensen family in honor of Cheryl Jensen: The Cheryl Jensen Scholarship Endowment.

Some of the proceeds from the Gala will help this endowment grow.

“This endowment has made student scholarships in the performing arts sustainable,” said Heidi Jarvis-Grimes, director of development, College of Arts and Letters, and strategic university initiatives. “Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to grow.”

The scholarship is designed to award full-time juniors or seniors solely studying music or theatre in the School of Performing Arts. A preference will be given to talented students who have a financial need for the scholarship.

This endowment isn’t the first example of how the Jensen family is committed to helping students excel in the performing arts. The Joseph C. and Cheryl H. Jensen Grand Concert Hall in the Stephens Performing Arts Center shows the family’s commitment. The concert hall is the largest venue in the building and houses many concerts every year including the Idaho State Civic-Symphony, the Camerata Singers and many student performances. The Jensen family has also established the Cheryl Jensen Supports the Met Endowment Fund. This endowment provides support for the expenses related to hosting the Metropolitan Opera auditions held annually at ISU.

“Cheryl was very supportive and passionate of the arts and education, as is the Jensen family,” said Jarvis-Grimes. “The endowment in her name will provide scholarship opportunities for students in the arts to complete their degree program. Many of these students showcase their talents at the College of Arts and Letters New Year’s Eve Gala. The Gala event raises additional funds to support student scholarships.”

The scholarship endowment continues to grow with the support of the following individuals and corporations: Bank of Idaho, Premier Technology, Portneuf Medical Center, Idaho Central Credit Union, Mountain View Hospital, Hayden Beverage, Pocatello Eye Care and Farm Bureau Insurance.

For more information on the Gala or how to be a sponsor contact Heidi Jarvis-Grimes at 282-5362.