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Your Impact on the Arts at UNC
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, whose support directly enriches our arts programs, provides scholarships and sustains the many resources that uphold our College’s tradition of academic and artistic excellence. I look forward to connecting with all of you—our long-time supporters and those considering their first gift—as we continue to grow together. I am committed to working alongside you to strengthen our College, honoring your generosity, vision and legacy. The inspiring stories we share are possible because of your unwavering support.”
—Cristina Goletti (M.F.A.), Dean & Professor, PVA
Thanks to you and your support...
The Jazz Studies program has won more than 170 DownBeat Magazine awards.
UNC graduates have appeared in 67 different Broadway productions — a record unmatched by any other BA Musical Theatre program in the country.
The College of Performing and Visual Arts awards over $1.8 million in scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students in the arts.
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Hear from Our Students
Recipient of the Robert and Marilyn Clark Scholarship in the Arts
I have always been dedicated to my academics and strive to maintain a top-grade point average. The Robert and Marilyn Clark Scholarship has enabled me to continue my educational journey and has ensured that I can pursue my passion of studying Graphic Design at the University of Northern Colorado.
Angel Castillo
BA, Art & Design, concentration in Graphic Design
Recipient of the Frank G. and Betty Ottesen Performing and Visual Arts Scholarship
Since I was young, visual art and performance have defined who I am as a person. I hope to pursue a career in the arts, whether that be displaying my work in a gallery or performing on the stage for thousands of people. The Frank G. and Betty Ottesen PVA Scholarship has supported me in completing my degree. Thank you!
Mary Jo Lasky
BA, Art & Design with a Minor in Dance
Recipient of the Roy T. Wardell Scholarship. Baritone section leader for the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band.
My high school band director encouraged me to attend UNC because of the renowned Music and Education programs. I chose to pursue a K-12 Instrumental Music Education degree because I have always had a love of music and teaching. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have been awarded the Roy T. Wardell Scholarship.
Jam David
BA, Music Education with a concentration in Instrumental Music: K-12
Recipient of the Kevin and Terri Pederson Tidal Breeze Jazz Scholarship.
It is an honor to have been selected as the recipient of the Kevin and Terri Pederson Tidal Breeze Jazz Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship encourages me to work harder than ever, and to continue reaching for the stars. I owe this encouragement to Kevin and Terri Pederson; you are both essential members of my community.
Gabriel Mangione
BA, Music with a concentration in Jazz Studies
Dr. Cornelia (Nellie) Vertenstein
Dr. Cornelia (Nellie) Vertenstein was born in Sibiu, Romania. She began playing the piano as a child and quickly established herself as a great talent. At age 14, Nellie began teaching music lessons, this would become her greatest passion and her life’s work. After surviving the holocaust, she continued her education and ultimately became a respected concert pianist in Bucharest. In 1961, she and her family were forced to flee communist Romania and eventually immigrated to the United States and settled in Denver, where Nellie built a successful piano studio.
Throughout it all Nellie never stopped teaching and learning herself. She continuously adapted her approach and style of teaching in an effort to instill a deep love of music and learning in each of her students. Nowhere was this more evident than during the COVID pandemic, where despite her inexperience with technology, she took to giving lessons over FaceTime and moved her entire studio online at the age of 92.
Upon her passing in February of 2021, Nellie and her family made another significant contribution to the musical community she so deeply loved by gifting a carefully curated selection of books on music, pedagogy, and sheet music from Nellie’s personal collection to the University of Northern Colorado’s Howard M. Skinner Music Library. The Skinner Music Library boasts the second-largest music collection in Colorado and serves as an invaluable resource for students and community members to explore the musical landscape, both past and present. This meaningful addition to the Skinner Music Library will forever commemorate Nellie’s extraordinary life and dedication to music education.
