One woman's love for music found expression in student scholarships at Fresno Pacific University.
LaVerne C. O'Bryant left $160,000 in her estate to create music scholarships at the university, which offers a variety of vocal and instrumental programs. The gift comes through the Fresno Pacific University Foundation.
"Mrs. O'Bryant's generosity allows us to continue to build on our traditional strength in music and give greater assistance to the talented students who choose FPU as the place to develop their gifts. Here we see music as a ministry as well as a profession and source of joy," said Mark Deffenbacher, vice president for advancement and university relations and executive director of the FPU foundation.
The gift will be held by the foundation as an endowment scholarship, with interest income going to several annual scholarships. Music faculty will be involved in deciding the number and amount of scholarships, as well as determining individual recipients.
LaVerne O'Bryant was a native of Parlier and a lifelong Valley resident. She sang in church choirs for many years and wished to further young peoples' interest in classical and Christian music. Her brother, James Gregory, a longtime FPU supporter and executor of her estate, was instrumental in setting up the gift.