Dr. Marvin V. Curtis C’72 Makes IRA Gift and Bequest to Endow Scholarship

Dr. Marvin V. Curtis C’7

As a dean, Dr. Marvin V. Curtis C’72 learned firsthand how vital scholarships are and what it can mean “to help a student with that last $1,000 they couldn’t afford.” He has now made this essential support possible at North Park by endowing a scholarship in his name for future students who also major in music education.

More than 50 years ago, Curtis came to North Park University to study in the School of Music, Art, and Theatre. At that time, he was the only African American student in the music program and remembers how “North Park made me feel so welcome on campus.” Most important were the opportunities to deepen his passion for music: “My professors gave me so many chances to shine.”

Today Curtis is recently retired as dean and professor emeritus of music in the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at Indiana University South Bend. A member of North Park’s Board of Trustees, Curtis is proud to have composed a special musical piece for North Park’s 125th anniversary celebration in 2016. Among his many career achievements, he also created a choral work for President Clinton’s 1993 inauguration.

Curtis funded his scholarship through a tax-free IRA rollover—and also has ensured its continued financial support by naming North Park in his will. Both gifts were “easy to do and made sense,” he said. Endowing a scholarship now also means he can look forward to meeting student recipients and offering his guidance.

“If I, or anyone else, can help keep a student in school for one more year, why wait? Do it now.”