A few months before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, College of Music National Leadership Council members Ed and Wanda Eichler came forward with the capstone gift that completed the fundraising campaign for the Billman Music Pavilion. Little did they know at that time how important this resource would become to the College as students returned to campus during a pandemic.
In recognition of their gift that enabled the College surpass $17.5 million from private sources, one of the new, primary rehearsal spaces is now known as Eichler Hall.
“Wanda and Ed have proven to be true difference-makers for our college,” said College of Music Dean James Forger. “They have been generous, kind, and there for us when we have needed them. They have done so much for MSU, yet Eichler Hall alone is significant given the safety and quality it provides our student musicians.”
Eichler Hall is a 2,150 square foot space that, when safe again, will fit up to 64 musicians for band rehearsal. It has the same high ceiling, skylight, and state-of-the-art acoustics as the other new halls in the pavilion, but it also includes audiovisual infrastructure for ambisonic performances in the future.
“The ability to spread our students out into three new large rehearsal spaces has provided a far safer environment to rehearse,” Sedatole said. “The new Eichler Hall is also a terrific sonic space. We’ve already rehearsed a variety of ensembles that all sound fantastic. We are fortunate and so grateful for the generosity of Ed and Wanda Eichler.”
Ed and Wanda met while attending North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. Ed is now president and chief executive officer of Agri-Valley Communications, the parent company to Pigeon Telephone, Thumb Cellular, Agri-Valley Services, and TechTeam, all located in Pigeon, Michigan. He is also chairman of Bay Port State Bank in Bay Port, Michigan.
Wanda is the owner and designer of Graywood Designs which provides fine knitting yarns, supplies, and handmade creations through online websites. They became Spartans because of their three children, and their gifts to MSU have had a positive impact beyond pushing the Billman Music Pavilion past its fundraising goal.
The Eichlers’ grown children – William Eichler and his spouse, Wendy Matta Eichler, Liesl (Eichler) Clark, and Peter Eichler – are all MSU alumni. William and Liesel graduated from James Madison College, Peter from the College of Music, and Wendy from the College of Education. All four were also members of the Spartan Marching Band (SMB).
“The whole family has a bit of a musical background with Wanda playing piano and organ plus having had some violin lessons. She has done extensive choral work, including directing church choirs.” Ed explained. “Will, Liesl, Peter, and I were in the brass and percussion area.”
Their band connection led to the Eichlers making a gift to allow the SMB to purchase 62 brand new, custom-designed trumpets for the band. A few years later, Ed learned that the turf on Demonstration Hall field where the SMB practiced developed ruts and other problems which caused band member injuries throughout a season.
“Long story short, we committed the money to install a teaching tower and a 500 person viewing stand on a new field,” Ed explained. Forest Akers Trust added funds for a regulation-sized football field and, Ed added, “I believe there were no field-related injuries in the band that first year.”
A few years later they would transform another campus icon when they championed the purchase of a new pipe organ and console for the MSU Alumni Chapel. Currently being installed, the new organ is known as The Red Cedar Organ and was custom-built by Létourneau Organs in Quebec, Canada. The Eichler’s support for MSU has extended to the Broad Art Museum, WKAR Radio and the Great Lakes Concerts series, the MSU Museum, and Athletics.
“We hadn’t thought about contributing to the Billman because we were concentrating on the organ, but we decided to stretch a bit and take on one of the halls,” Ed said. “Not only did that put the Billman over the top, but I believe there have been a few gifts since. Sometimes it only takes a little encouragement.”
Their Spartan legacy was already solidified as true difference-makers, but completing funding for the Billman Music Pavilion shows they are willing to go above and beyond when it comes to helping students.
“It’s one of those things where once in a while you are in the right place at the right time and get a chance to do something,” Ed said.
Modestly taking action to improve the lives of others. Now that is Spartans Will.
The CARES Act and what it can mean for you
At the end of 2020, Congress passed a second stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, extending many of the charitable giving provisions from the original Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Expansion of the universal charitable deduction for cash gifts
In 2021, the deduction is $300 for single filers and $600 for married couples filing jointly. This is available to taxpayers who take the standard deduction. This tax incentive is available for cash gifts to qualified charities (but not to supporting organizations or donor advised funds).
Extension of the cap on deductions for cash contributions
Contributions to public charities are generally limited to a percentage of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The CARES Act lifted the cap on annual contributions for those who itemize, increasing it from 60% to 100% of AGI for 2020 and now for 2021. Any excess contributions available can be carried over to the next five years. For corporations, the law raised the annual limit from 10% to 25% of taxable income.
We can help with your charitable goals
The College of Music is grateful for the continued kindness and support of donors during this difficult time. Please contact the the Music Advancement Office at 517-353-9872 or via email at music.giving@msu.edu.
