Daughter's VCU experience inspires gift, praise

Things are winding down in the Northern Virginia household of Patricia and Samir Nader, where the family of six is transitioning from college life as their children launch careers as young adults. With the recent graduation of their youngest child and only daughter, Josie (B.M. '11), from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts' Department of Music, Patricia and Samir are adjusting to the idea of life on their own.

With two children now in the field of music education, music will likely remain a large part of their lives.

"As Josie's older brother is an avid musician who sought after and attended some world-renowned schools of music, we became very exposed to that world and can't help but contrast our daughter's experience," Patricia Nader said. "It's amazing to us to see how superior the [VCU] experience has been compared to those institutions."

To show their appreciation to the VCU Department of Music for the quality of education and guidance Josie received, the Naders have made several generous contributions during their daughter's VCU career through the Friends of Music. Founded in 2000 to provide support for scholarships and educational programs in the Department of Music, the Friends of Music is a major funding source for undergraduate scholarships.

"Our music scholarship resources lag far behind those in other state and regional universities that have quality music programs," said John Guthmiller, interim associate dean of student and program development at the School of the Arts and director of choral activities in the Department of Music. "This puts VCU at a competitive disadvantage in recruiting the best students. The Friends of Music helps provide scholarships that otherwise wouldn't be available to promising students."

In addition to their most recent financial gift, the Naders also wrote a letter to Guthmiller and Darryl Harper, interim chair of the VCU School of the Arts' Department of Music, in which they described their joy at Josie's growth as a student, as a singer and as a music educator.

"We can't help but compare the approaches and quality experienced by others we know who have either auditioned for or attended other well-known programs that — as we have observed — tend to use their notoriety to attract students who have already been developed and then do little to augment the caliber of the musician. By contrast, the VCU music program thrives in spotting potential, engaging the student and nurturing artistry through a rich array of experiences that culminate in stunning transformations, producing inspiring educators and musical performances that rival the professional stage," the letter read.

"It's important to note that when the Naders were coming to choral concerts and hearing their daughter perform and were moved by the experience that they felt compelled to contribute to the program so that other students could benefit," Guthmiller said. "Seeing Josie graduate and what she's accomplished and the way in which she and her family have grown with us through her education … this is why I do this. It is gratifying beyond any description."

The Naders' only regret, they said, is that Josie's program of studies, which was "so well-paced and successfully presented," has come to a close. She graduated in May and plans to stay in Virginia and enter the field of music education.

To learn more about the Department of Music, contact Hannah Neilson, associate director of development, at (804) 828-9182 or hbneilson@vcu.edu.