FMC Endowment Fund Update

FMC SCHOLARSHIP FUND SCORECARD (since 1997)

Number of scholarships and grants awarded:  771

Dollar Amount Awarded:  $360,917

RECENT SCHOLARSHIP and GRANTS

2024-25 State Honor Choir Scholarship Recipients @ $5780

• 9-10:    20 scholarships
• 4-5-6:   22 scholarships
• 7-8:      24 scholarships

Special Note: Scholarship recipients represent every ACDA district and ALL students who applied were awarded honor choir funds!

2025 ACDA National Conference – Dallas, TX

• Zach Kubasta, Valley View Middle School – Edina, MN
• Alexander Happ, University of Minnesota – Morris
• Nathan Lange, North Dakota State University
• Obra Kedri*, St. Olaf College

*Thank you and to those of the FMC Endowment Committee for this scholarship that allowed me to spend a wonderful time in Dallas attending the National ACDA Conference. It was an enriching experience and as a student, the performances helped broaden my knowledge of repertoire and different choral practices, and the sessions allowed me to learn from the most experienced about from voicing a section to incorporating South African singing and movement into choral singing. I was able to attend an undergraduate conductor’s seminar and masterclass, and I received insightful advice and tips from directors of well-renowned graduate programs. The cherry on top was that I was able to reunite with the University of Pretoria’s TUKS Camerata, of which I was able to sing with as a member of the St. Olaf Choir in South Africa in June 2024. Their final concert at the Winspear Opera House moved me to tears and it reminded me of why we love choral music. – by Obsa Kedir

2025 Graduate Study Scholarships

• Shawn Neisen – North Dakota State University – Fargo, ND (DME)
• Nancy Jo Goettl – Michigan State University – Lansing, MI (MME)
• Matthew Kiminski – University of St. Thomas – St. Paul, MN (MME)
• Sarah Abelsen – University of Northern Iowa (MME)

Alice T. Larsen Memorial Scholarship

• Nicole Thietje – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (DME)
• Sophia Vogel – St. Mary’s University (MME)

FEATURED SUPPORTER

Gillbert Gillbertson Teaching

1. When did you make your first donation to ACDA-MN?

Honestly, I can’t pinpoint exactly when I made my first donation—ACDA has been part of my life for as long as I can remember! I grew up around the organization thanks to my dad, and once I became an “official adult,” it was clear how much ACDA had shaped my journey. Supporting it felt like the natural next step—paying it forward so others can experience the same opportunities I’ve had.

2. Why is it so important for you to contribute to ACDA-MN?   

I was fortunate to receive a scholarship for graduate school through ACDA-MN, and it came at exactly the right time—it was the nudge I needed to pursue my master’s degree. That moment deeply impacted me. It reminded me about just how powerful our professional community can be. Giving back financially is my way of ensuring others get that same encouragement and support when they need it most.

3. What is one part of ACDA-MN’s future that excites you?  

I know it might sound cliché, but truly—everything about ACDA-MN’s future excites me! From conventions and Summer Dialogue to the mentor program and the IDEA committee, there’s always something inspiring happening. The people in this organization are generous with their knowledge, incredibly supportive, and constantly pushing our profession forward. Being part of that energy keeps me motivated and continually growing.

2025 GIFTS TO THE FMC ENDOWMENT FUND

2025 FMC GIFTS – SON Spring Issue

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT POLICY

ACDA-MN leadership, overseeing the F. Melius Christiansen Endowment Fund and the Alice T. Larsen Memorial Scholarship Fund, annually advises our investment management firm to adopt selective investment strategies that utilize socially conscious investment options that focus on environmental, social, and corporate governance criteria.

Members of the FMC Endowment Fund Committee:

• Daniel Digre
• Marie Dymit
• Rikka Estenson
• Jon Habermann
• Paula Holmberg, chair
• Jon Kietzer
• Melanie Kjellberg
• Anne Klus, secretary
• Kathryn Larson
• Teri Larson
• David Mennicke
• Karla Miller
• Mark Nelson
• Andrew Parr
• Ronald Rydell
• Randy Schafer
• Daryl Timmer, Scholarship Subcommittee, chair
• Jerry Upton, ACDA State President
• Michael Walsh, past-chair
• Jamie Andrews, Executive Director

FMC Endowment Fund Emeritus Members

• Steven Albaugh
• Rolf Anderson
• Linda M. Armstrong
• Steven O. Boehlke
• Lawrence Burnett
• David Docter
• Katherine G. Doepke+
• Richard Edstrom
• A.B. Engen+
• Geneva S. Eschweiler+
• Murrae N. Freng+
• Barbara A. Geier
• Mary Kay Geston
• Janice Gilbertson
• Lauretta P. Graetz+
• Diane Heaney
• Curtis E. Hansen+
• Thomas Wm. Hassig
• Charles Hellie
• Paula Holmberg
• Robert C. “BJ” Johnson+
• Wayne M. Kivell
• Diana J. Leland
• Howard C. Lerohl+
• Carl H. Lipke
• Larry McCaghy
• Robert D. Mix+
• Ronald A. Nelson+
• Robert L. Peterson+
• Tim Peterson
• Linda M. Smith
• Stephanie Trump
• Roger H. Tenney
• Axel Theimer
• Michael Wolsted

FMC Advisory Board Members

• Anton E. Armstrong
• Philip Brunelle
• Carol Barnett
• Abbie Betinis
• René Clausen
• Jocelyn Hagen
• Sigrid Johnson
• Brian Newhouse
• Stephen Paulus+
• Jake Runestad
• Kathy Saltzman Romey
• Timothy C. Takach
• Dale Warland

(+) In Remembrance