Tribute Funds

Distinguished alumni, faculty, and supporters of the Michigan State University College of Music are often honored with the creation of a fund that supports students and programs in the college while allowing others to donate to and grow the fund over time. Below is a list of our honorees with links to add your support and pay tribute to the fund’s namesake.

Kenneth G. Bloomquist Fellowship Fund in Wind Conducting

Remembered fondly as an enthusiastic and effective leader, Kenneth G. Bloomquist served on the faculty of the College of Music for 22 years before his retirement in 1993. During his tenure, Ken was Director of Bands from 1970–78 and served as the Director of the School of Music from 1978–89, and again Director of Bands from 1989–92. Ken was the driving force that transformed the then Department of Music into the School of Music beginning in 1984.

Jennifer M. Ginther Spartan Marching Band Endowed Scholarship

Jennifer Marie (Vincent) Ginther was a proud Michigan State University alumna whose life was deeply intertwined with music and education. A graduate of MSU with a degree in Music Education, Jennifer was a mellophone player with the Spartan Marching Band and a lifelong supporter of the College of Music. She carried her passion for music into her 28-year teaching career at Southfield Public Schools, where she inspired countless students. After retiring, Jennifer’s dedication to music continued as the Director of Music Ministry at Milford Presbyterian Church and through her work with numerous ensembles and organizations. Her exceptional contributions to the arts were widely recognized, including receiving Member Emeritus honors from the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. Jennifer’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the Spartan Marching Band Endowed Scholarship established in her honor.

Organ Scholarship in memory of Dr. Stephen R. Lange

Dr. Stephen Lange received three degrees in music and one in mathematics from Michigan State University. Dr. Lange went on to become the choir director and minister of music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Lansing for 45 years and directed the Lange Choral Ensemble for 47 years. Nancy Lange established this fund in memory of Dr. Lange which is awarded annually to students enrolled in organ studies as funds are available.

David C. Rayl Choral Programs Endowment

After 20 years at the College of Music, Dr. David Rayl retired in 2023 as the Director of Choral Activities and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. Celebrate Dr. Rayl’s tenure at Michigan State University with a gift to the David C. Rayl Choral Programs Endowment, which will support choral area activities at the College of Music.

MSU Alumni Band Music Education Scholarship in honor of August (Augie) Thoma 

August “Augie” Thoma, a passionate member of the MSU Alumni Band, passed away on September 24, 2023. Augie played alto sax and had been attending every MSUAB fall reunion since his MSU graduation in 1976. He was often accompanied by his family members who are also MSU graduates: his sons Matthew (trumpet) and Christopher (alto sax), his daughter Megan (alto sax), and her husband Joe “Ham” Blauwiekel (tuba). Augie taught for 24 years at Rochester (MI) High School and served as the Director of Music Ministry for 35 years at St. John Fisher University Parish in Auburn Hills. After retirement, he continued to work as an adjunct music instructor, a tour guide for school music groups, and as a Music Director and Conductor. We kindly request that donations in his honor be made to the MSU Alumni Band Music Education Scholarship in honor of August (Augie) Thoma.