Transylvania University welcomed professor emeritus Gary L. Anderson back to the Mitchell Fine Arts stage Sunday to conduct choral singers in an Alumni Weekend concert.
Anderson served as Transylvania’s choir director from 1973-2014 and led many international tours and performances.
A new endowed scholarship is helping carry on his legacy, thanks to a generous gift from three members of the Class of 1974: former Transylvania President John N. Williams Jr., his wife Lucy and Jannie Nallinger.
Their creation of the Gary L. Anderson Choral/Vocal Music Endowed Scholarship Fund encourages Pioneers entering their sophomore, junior or senior year to pursue singing as part of their academic journey.
“I’m excited about that, and overwhelmed is an understatement,” Anderson said of the honor.
The donors attended a campus gathering where the fund was announced and the beloved music professor was thanked for his years of service to Transylvania.
“Former choir members frequently cite their experiences as a member of the Transylvania Choir as among the fondest of many special college memories,” according to the endowment agreement. “The entire campus community and local music lovers also appreciated his creative collaborations and passion for vocal music.”
The new scholarship is potentially renewable for students annually and may be used alongside other awards.
“Scholarship endowments are a major priority for the university,” said Diana Brown McKenzie ’95, director of planned giving and campaign operations. They are a great way to honor someone who’s had a lot of meaning in your life, while supporting current and future students, she added.
Alumni are encouraged to celebrate Anderson by contributing to the fund here — email McKenzie with any questions.
Anderson, who has long been active in the local arts community, also served as founding conductor and musical director of the Lexington Chamber Chorale and is director of music at Second Presbyterian Church. (He recently conducted his final concert with the Chorale.)
With undergraduate studies from Millikin University and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois, Anderson has served as director of music in numerous churches both in Illinois and here in Lexington. He also received the prestigious Bingham Award for Excellence in Teaching.
As he stepped back into the familiar MFA venue Sunday, the newly established scholarship stood as a reminder that his influence will continue to echo through future generations of Transylvania choral singers — long after the final note of the Alumni Concert faded.
“It’s really nice to be back on that stage,” Anderson added.