Central Michigan University

CMU students win prestigious Liberace Foundation Scholarships

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Topics in this story: Arts and entertainment, Arts and events, Awards, College of Communication and Fine Arts, People, School of Music, University news

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Media Contact(s):

Lindsay Allen
989-774-7327

Program Contact(s):

Randi L'Hommedieu
989-774-3281

Eric Dluzniewski
dluzn1ej@cmich.edu

Todd Gaffke
gaffk1ta@cmich.edu

Jeffery Lund
jeff.lund@cmich.edu

A trio of Central Michigan University music students has received full tuition scholarship awards provided by a national organization.

Senior Eric Dluzniewski of Livonia; senior Todd Gaffke of Grayling; and graduate student Jeffery Lund of Puyallup, Wash., received 2007-08 Liberace Foundation Scholarships for their performances at a CMU School of Music competition. The Liberace Foundation awarded the scholarships for the first time at CMU, providing the funds to cover each recipient's tuition for the current academic year.

"Nineteen music majors competed for these awards and presented a truly impressive concert for our distinguished panel of judges," said Randi L'Hommedieu, School of Music director. "The adjudicators' job was a difficult one."

Dluzniewski performs as a euphonium soloist and ensemble member, including his role as principal euphonium of the CMU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, CMU Brass Band, CMU Symphony Orchestra and Central Foundation. A graduate of Livonia Stevenson High School, he is the son of Joseph Dluzniewski and Gina Piazza of Livonia.

Gaffke performs on the saxophone in solo recitals, saxophone quartets and ensembles, and jazz ensembles. A graduate of Grayling High School, he is the son of Tom and Janet Gaffke of Grayling.

Lund spent four years as the principal percussionist of the University Orchestra at Central Washington University and has performed with the Yakima Symphony, the Tacoma Symphony, and the Midland Symphony Orchestras. Lund, who received his bachelor's and master's degrees from CWU, is the son of Norman Lund of Columbus, Mont., and Judy Lund of Yakima, Wash.

The Liberace Foundation's goal is to help talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts through scholarship assistance. Since its incorporation in 1976, the Liberace Foundation has awarded more than $4 million in scholarship grants to the nation's most prestigious institutions of music, theater, dance and the visual arts. For more information, visit http://www.liberace.org/liberace_foundation.