Alumni donate $1.5 million to liberal arts college

Thanks to a $1.5 million gift from alumni on Thursday, CSU will

be implementing one of the nation’s only programs for liturgical,

or church-style, organ studies programs at the university.

The gift came from alumni Stewart and Sheron Golden and was

established by the university as the “Stewart and Sheron Golden

Endowed Chair in Liturgical Organ Studies.”

The Goldens are both 30-year, second-generation alumni. Stewart

Golden graduated from CSU with a bachelor’s degree in music

education in 1963 and Sheron Golden graduated in 1962 with an

undergraduate degree in vocational home economics education.

In 1968 CSU become the owner of an $80,000 Casavant Organ that

took 10 weeks to assemble and currently resides in room 203 of the

Music Building. The organ is now valued at $750,000.

Thursday’s presentation of the award began with a welcome from

Heather Hardy, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, followed by

words from CSU President Larry Penley and Michael Thaut, chair of

the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance.

Penley offered his gratitude to the Goldens and his expectations

for the grant by thanking them for, “creating an endowed chair that

will be here long after any of us in this room are.”

The Golden’s contribution to the university represents what

Hardy called, “the power of a shared vision.”

The acquisition of this grant marks what Thaut believes is the

assumption of a national leadership role in artistic training. This

donation is a message from Colorado’s people to its leadership that

shows their interest in higher education, Thaut said.

‘The Golden family has put a landmark on this campus,” Thaut

said.”This will stay with us for the indefinite future.”

Some CSU music students appreciate the donation with the

administration.

“As far as a monetary amount, it’s a big step for CSU trying to

make a name for itself as a music school around the nation,” said

Danny Lanete, a senior majoring in percussion performance.”This is

important for all music students, even if they don’t play

organ.”