25 students will be very fortunate at New York’s Juilliard School next year. Joseph W. Polisi, President of the school, today announced the creation of the ‘Kovner Fellowship Program’ that will be endowed with a gift of $60 million – the largest single one-time gift to the School – from Bruce and Suzie Kovner.
The scholarships cover the full cost of attendance – tuition, room and board, plus an annual stipend for enrichment and development activities – beginning with 25 students in the first year and increasing up to 52 undergraduate and graduate students annually in classical music programs by 2018. It is the only scholarship program that covers all expenses for the entire course of study at Juilliard.
In acknowledging the importance of the fellowships, Dr. Polisi said, « This extraordinarily generous and visionary gift from Bruce and Suzie Kovner will ensure that future highly gifted Juilliard musicians will be able to pursue their studies with no financial concerns, freeing them from the heavy debt burden that has caused long-term financial challenges for many students. The Kovners’ support of our performing artists reinforces Juilliard’s ongoing commitment to educate future generations of artists who will bring their talents to communities large and small around the world in the time ahead. »
Juilliard alumnus and current faculty member, pianist Emanuel Ax, reacted to the announcement of the Kovner Fellowship Program by saying, « The prospect of seeing these hugely talented young people have the luxury of focusing on their studies and musical growth is absolutely thrilling. I am overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of this gift and can only express to Bruce and Suzie deep gratitude on behalf of the many wonderful kids whose life this will change. »
Kovner Fellows will be designated from the universe of classical music students applying to The Juilliard School and from among current undergraduate and master’s level students.
