Longtime School of Music faculty member Daryl Durran and his wife, Lois Durran, a violinist, have made a remarkable estate commitment of $750,000 to establish the Daryl and Lois Durran Endowment for the School of Music. This endowment will provide crucial scholarship support to both undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring that the next generation of musicians can thrive at Penn State.

Unlocking Potential: The Durrans' Transformative Gift

Addressing the Scholarship Challenge

Since joining the Penn State faculty in 1983, Daryl Durran has witnessed firsthand the pressing need for scholarships, particularly for undergraduate students. "The number one need for the School of Music since I arrived in 1983 is scholarships, especially for undergrads," Durran explained. "My colleagues and I cannot count how many times we hear students say that Penn State is their first choice, but they cannot afford it. It's getting them in the door that's the real challenge."The Durrans' endowment aims to tackle this challenge head-on, providing financial assistance to talented musicians who might otherwise be unable to pursue their dreams at Penn State. By removing the barrier of tuition costs, the endowment will open the doors to a world-class music education for students from diverse backgrounds.

Cultivating a Well-Rounded Music Program

Daryl Durran's experience as a professor of bassoon, wind chamber music coach, and member of the Pennsylvania Quintet has given him a unique perspective on the needs of the School of Music. "We need to have the right number of bassoon players, violinists, male singers, female singers, et cetera," he explained. "We are recruiting very specific skills."The Durrans' endowment will empower the School of Music to attract and retain the most talented and qualified musicians, regardless of their financial circumstances. This will ensure that the student body is well-rounded, with all the necessary "parts" to create a thriving, diverse, and dynamic music program.

Honoring a Legacy of Teaching and Mentorship

Throughout their careers, Daryl and Lois Durran have dedicated themselves to passing on their expertise to the next generation of musicians. Together with Douglas Meyer, they founded the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra Society in 1990, providing central Pennsylvania with its first all-professional chamber orchestra."Through Daryl and Lois' years of teaching and supporting Penn State musicians, they have equipped countless music students to meet their potential," said Ann Marie Stanley, director of the School of Music. "We are grateful for that alone and consider their years of presence at the school to be a gift in itself."The Durrans' endowment will ensure that their legacy of teaching and mentorship continues to shape the lives of Penn State music students for years to come.

Inspiring Others to Follow Suit

Daryl Durran is hopeful that the Durrans' endowment will encourage others to make similar investments in the future of the School of Music. "I have experienced this on many occasions, and that is what prompted us to establish this endowment. Hopefully this will encourage others to do similar things," he said.By setting an example of philanthropic leadership, the Durrans are inspiring a new wave of support for the School of Music. Their endowment not only provides immediate financial assistance to students but also serves as a catalyst for further investment in the school's long-term success.