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GUEST COLUMNIST L IN DA F LO RJAN CIC, P R E S I DE N T, MU P H I E P S I LO N FO U N DATI O N P R ESI D EN T @ MP E FO U N DATI O N .O R G
The Foundation: Your Questions Answered hroughout the year, the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation receives many inquiries from our members. As the Foundation’s president, allow me to answer some of them. “What exactly is the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, and what does it do?” Founded in 1963, our purpose is both charitable and educational. What does that mean, you ask? Let me explain. Every year, the Foundation offers over 30 scholarships and grants that benefit different majors, from performance and education to therapy and world music. The awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to individuals and chapters in good standing. You can be an undergraduate or have long since graduated. Surprisingly, there are always some scholarships that do not receive any applications. (If you are a pianist who wants to study in France, have we got a scholarship for you!) One day, we hope to see all scholarships awarded. All applications (except chapter grants) must include a résumé, recent official or unofficial transcript, headshot and application fee. All scholarships have additional specific requirements, so it is best to contact the appropriate chairperson if you have questions. We are here to help you. The Foundation hosts the International Competition every three years, coinciding with the triennial convention. This year, we selected the Murchison Performing Arts Center at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, as the competition venue. Generally, applications are available a few months before the competition. The finalists are invited to compete before convention, and the winner is announced during the opening ceremony. The winner is invited by chapters across the country to perform at various venues throughout their two-year contract. Airfare to each city is paid for by the Foundation, and local chapters are responsible for the artist’s food, lodging, and local transportation. It’s a wonderful opportunity for performers to gain exposure and create a name for themselves. During my tenure on the Foundation Board, we have had two amazing winners: harpist Rachel Brandwein and clarinetist Katsuya Yuasa. “Who is on this Board?” The Foundation Board consists of seven volunteer directors, including the Fraternity’s International President. Members serve a three-year stint with the possibility of being elected to a second term. Any member in good standing is eligible. Members are selected from all across the country.
“Where do the Foundation’s funds come from?” Quite simply, you! We rely on our members (and their relatives) to keep the Foundation going. The Foundation does three fundraising campaigns per year: March, July and December. Our snail-mail campaign is in March, while we host an email campaign for all three initiatives. You may designate where your funds can be attributed (i.e., a specific scholarship or the competition). The generosity of our Mu Phi sisters and brothers enable us to provide these awards. We are so grateful for your support. We encourage your participation in the Foundation and its activities. You can find out more about us by going to www.mpefoundation.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Linda Florjancic Mu Phi, Cleveland Area Alumni, received her Bachelor of Music degree from Baldwin-Wallace College (University), Berea, Ohio, with a double major in music history and arts management. Linda completed her Master of Music in music history and Master of Arts in arts administration at The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio. She was a communications intern at Interlochen Center for the Arts where she had the opportunity to host a Nickelodeon camera crew and interview Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops. She was an intern for the Canton Youth Symphony, Canton, Ohio, and a development intern for the Cleveland Orchestra. Linda is the principal violist of the Parma Symphony Orchestra, Parma, Ohio, and secretary of its board of directors. She is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honorary. She served on the International Finance Committee of Mu Phi Epsilon for three terms and is the Cleveland Area Alumni chapter secretary. She is currently the president of the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation.
SPRING 2020
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