The foundation kickstarted by Mississippi’s Music and Culture Ambassador has granted $25,000 to enhance opportunities for students at the Delta Music Institute (DMI) in Cleveland.
The Delta State University Foundation received the funds from the Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation. In addition to bolstering the student experience, the money is expected to elevate the DMI’s resources.
Of the funds delivered, $20,000 was allocated to the DMI’s scholarship fund and $5,000 will be used to maintain recording studio technology, student recruitment events, and guest visits from professionals in the entertainment industry.
According to DMI Director Richard Tremmel, the scholarship fund helps 15 to 20 pupils each semester.
“Speaking for the board of our foundation, we’re grateful to have the opportunity to continue giving to a program that means so much to me,” Azar said. “The Delta Music Institute at my beloved Delta State University is paving the way for future greats in the music business. We are the birthplace of it all and there are bright futures roaming these halls each and every year. It’s always a blessing to support them and this vital entertainment industry studies program!”
The grant, made possible through funds raised at the annual Delta Soul Celebrity Golf & Charity Event, reflects the Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting arts programs in schools and organizations across the Mississippi Delta.
A press release notes that the foundation aims to create educational and cultural opportunities that foster the region’s rich musical heritage and develop the next generation of talent.
“We are extremely grateful to the Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation for their continued support of the Delta Music Institute,” Delta State University President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis said. “This grant not only strengthens our scholarship fund but also enables us to provide state-of-the-art facilities and industry connections to our students.”
