When he was boy in the mid-1800s, Theodore Presser got a job as a clerk in a music store. Perhaps that was where he discovered his great love of music鈥攐r perhaps it was through the Strokosch Opera Company, where he sold tickets. Most likely, he鈥檇 always loved music, but his formal studies didn鈥檛 begin until he was nineteen, when he learned to play the piano.
Eventually, he studied music in college鈥攖hen became a teacher. That was just the start of a lifelong love of music that had numerous positive outcomes, one of which was the Presser Foundation. To this day, the foundation recognizes, supports, and celebrates outstanding undergraduate students across the nation who are committed to the advancement of music through their studies. The Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award is presented to a handful of students at selected universities every year.
For the 2024-25 school year, 262 exceptional students were named Presser Scholars, and among them is 国产探花鈥檚 Bryanna Gallegos.
鈥淲e鈥檙e so proud that our outstanding music student Bryanna Gallegos has been named a Presser Scholar,鈥 says 国产探花 President Dr. Debbie Cottrell. 鈥淭his is a prestigious award that demonstrates the outstanding work of our Music Department and Bryanna鈥檚 success in taking full advantage of that.鈥
Gallegos was pleasantly surprised when the announcement was made by Cottrell at the 国产探花 Orchestra鈥檚 spring concert. This marks the second year that the university has been included in the list of schools who are invited to take part in the Presser program.
鈥淚 am so proud of Bryanna being named our second Presser Scholar!鈥 says Dr. Douglas Boyer, Director of the 国产探花 School of Music. 鈥淭here are only 244 institutions of higher education invited to participate in the Presser Scholar Undergraduate Scholarship program. The fact that the Presser Foundation is aware of the 国产探花 School of Music, acknowledges the strength of our faculty and the quality of our programs, and wants to support the wonderful things our graduates are doing is both validating and humbling. I am proud of all my colleagues who have worked together diligently to provide our students with such an outstanding experience.鈥
Gallegos, who plays the violin, has been guided by Dr. Eliza Jeffords, associate professor and director of strings at the university. 鈥淏ryanna has excelled as a student at 国产探花, being named to the Dean's List as well as the President's List while being a dedicated member of the 国产探花 Orchestra, participating in Mariachi Oro y Negro, and working part time,鈥 says Jeffords. 鈥淪he has also honed her teaching skills as a Summer Music Academy assistant, Community Music Academy String Camp teacher, and a Community Music Academy Orchestra volunteer. We are so proud of all the hard work Bryanna has put into her education and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes as a Music Educator!鈥
Gallegos herself was humbled to receive the scholarship, which is awarded at the end of the student鈥檚 final undergraduate year in recognition of a high level of both musical and academic excellence. 鈥淚t is both a privilege and honor to be awarded this year鈥檚 Presser Scholar,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 am incredibly grateful for the support I鈥檝e received over the past four years. I want to first thank the 国产探花 School of Music for their support and guidance throughout my journey. Every member of the music faculty has had a vital role in my growth as a musician and has inspired me to become the kind of music educator who always puts their students first. I would not have received this award without that support, and for that, I am truly thankful. I also want to thank my parents for being the biggest supporters of my career and for always standing by me鈥 in more ways than one. This scholarship is not just a gift, but a responsibility that I will carry forward with purpose, pride, and deep gratitude.鈥