Preucil School of Music Receives Private Gift From Carol A. Bekker

With much gratitude, Preucil School of Music announces a private gift from a long-time admirer of the School, Carol A. Bekker, of Iowa City.

Ms. Bekker has donated $40,000 to the School’s Financial Aid Endowment which will now provide financial assistance to Preucil School families in perpetuity.

The Financial Aid Endowment provides financial assistance for families who have a strong desire to provide their children with a Preucil School education but have financial challenges with tuition costs.

Each year, the School is reminded how much hardship there is in our local community as families strive to provide for their children and give them a well-rounded education. We are always humbled to realize the financial sacrifices many parents make for their children to receive a music education from the School.

The School is equally humbled by the generosity of many donors throughout the years, most recently Ms. Bekker.

Preucil School has been very fortunate in creating and growing the Financial Aid Endowment. This current year the School was able to award $32,000 in Financial Aid to 58 students.

Carol A. Bekker Bio:
Carol was raised on a farm northeast of Lone Tree. After graduation she moved to Iowa City in 1958 and worked at Owens Brush/Oral-B laboratories/Proctor and Gamble for 43 years.

Carol is an avid lover of music beginning at a young age. She played the clarinet from 4th grade through high school. She played in clarinet trio, quartet and quintet, the high school band, German band and pep band. Her greatest honor was receiving a 1 rating for her clarinet solos at the State Music Contest.

Doris Preucil opened the Preucil School of Music in January 1975. That very first day drew more than 100 students. It also drew Carol’s attention. She attended concerts, individual children’s performances and other events over the years. Carol enjoyed every performance and was impressed with how well the students progressed. Often times she brought her elderly mother with her who was also delighted with the music.

Carol wanted to give a living gift to the Preucil School of Music to be used as scholarships for incoming students. She feels this is one way she could express her gratitude to the School and its students for bringing much joy to her life through music.