The Dallas Puccini Society Excellence Fund & Legacy Initiatives for Marilyn Halla
The Evolution of a Singer… The journey of an aspiring opera singer is a remarkable odyssey, marked by talent, dedication and the need for significant financial support. From undergraduate and graduate studies to a professional operatic career, each stage demands immense commitment and resources. Recognizing this, The Dallas Puccini Society (DPS) and it’s president, Marilyn Halla, have been instrumental in nurturing young opera talent and promoting the timeless music of great composers like Puccini. This proposal outlines two critical initiatives designed to create enduring legacies: • The Dallas Puccini Society Excellence Fund • Marilyn Halla’s Legacy Initiatives Marilyn, your unwavering support for the Dallas Puccini Society and your dedication to fostering young talent underscore the impact your gifts will have at the University of North Texas. As an alumna of UNT’s vocal studies division, we are pleased to present a selection of philanthropic opportunities that will further impact young singers at your alma mater.
“The Graduate Artist Certificate (GAC) program has opened doors of opportunity for my professional singing career. It has enabled me to travel to Europe to sing for an up-and-coming summer opera program to study language, enjoy culture immersion, sing on several concerts and perform in Die Zauberflöte and meet with professionals in the industry. Additionally, I have performed several leading roles at the University of North Texas while in the GAC program and have worked vigorously with the opera coaches available to UNT musicians. It has advanced my artistry by allowing additional time to dedicate toward professional
engagements outside of academia, including opportunities with Opera Arlington, Fort Worth Opera and Dallas Bach Society. The GAC program in voice and opera is an incredible next step for artists who have finished their graduate study, and I am grateful for the lessons, coachings, contacts and artist skills I have gained from my time in the program.”
Lauren Salazar, Mezzo-Soprano Graduate Artist Certificate Student
Dallas Puccini Society Board Members Bob Brooks, Robert Maris, Marilyn Halla, Bettie Francis, Patsy Brooks, Jana Irwin, Mac Irwin
The Dallas Puccini Society Excellence Fund The Dallas Puccini Society Excellence Fund at the University of North Texas will provide essential financial support to Graduate Artist Certificate (GAC) scholars, thus enhancing their training and career prospects. Current Landscape Seven GAC students are enrolled for the 2024-25 academic year. Historical enrollment data reflects a positive trend, underscoring the increasing demand for such programs.
STUDENTS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
2024-25
2023-24
2022-23
2021-22
2020-21
ACADEMIC YEAR
Financial Needs Each GAC program spans four semesters. Annual tuition costs approximately $10,400, which includes a minimum $1,000 merit scholarship. Currently, several students benefit from partial scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $9,000. However, no full tuition scholar yet exists. Proposed Endowment Options • $300,000 The Dallas Puccini Society Endowment for Graduate Artist Certificate (GAC) Scholarships Once fully funded, the endowment will provide transformative support in perpetuity for one GAC scholar annually, covering costs for tuition, performance opportunities and professional development. This comprehensive funding ensures that the recipient can focus solely on honing their craft and preparing for a successful career in opera. • $150,000 The Dallas Puccini Society Endowment for the Annual Guest Artist Program Once fully funded, this endowment will sponsor an annual, high level guest artist residency. The guest artist will engage with students and DPS members, enhancing educational and cultural exchange opportunities. The endowment will also provide funding for an annual lunch or dinner with the year’s guest artist and the DPS board to honor the DPS and provide an inside look into the operatic world.
“Sometimes, one quote or piece of advice can lead to a significant change in a student's trajectory. Having the opportunity to work with an elite artist, with whom students would not otherwise have the chance to meet, could make an incredibly big impact on the student's perspective and approach to nurturing their talent and career.” Molly Fillmore Chair, Division of Vocal Studies
Marilyn Halla’s Legacy Your generous investment in these exciting initiatives will have a profound and enduring impact on the future of opera as you help shape the careers of emerging opera stars and secure your legacy at the University of North Texas. • $100,000 Marilyn Halla Endowment for Travel and Recording Opportunities Once fully funded, this endowment will fund travel and recording opportunities for a DPS GAC Scholar, including professional headshots. These experiences are crucial for career advancement and enhancing professional visibility in the competitive opera industry. • $60,000 Marilyn Halla Endowed Scholarship in Voice Once fully funded, this endowment will award a $1,000 scholarship annually (based on current rates) to two full-time voice majors at the University of North Texas, easing financial burdens and supporting their academic and artistic pursuits. A Note of Sincere Thanks Marilyn, we are deeply grateful that you and The Dallas Puccini Society would consider a gift of this significance to the University of North Texas. Your generosity and philanthropic spirit will create countless opportunities for UNT’s talented young singers to learn, improve and succeed as they orchestrate a bright future. Together, we can empower the next generation of opera stars and celebrate the enduring legacy of opera’s most cherished traditions.
Ana Lemons Director of Development College of Music 940-565-3683 ana.lemons@unt.edu
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