Campaign Oregon - University of Oregon

Scholarship Makes Singer’s Dream a Reality

As a high school senior in Medford, Oregon, Steven Gutierrez wanted to go to college and study voice. But he wasn’t sure how he could afford it.

“I thought I could do one year and then I’d have to drop out,” he says. “My mom and dad couldn’t pay.” Thanks to a scholarship sponsored by private gifts, Guiterrez is fulfilling his dream.

The endowed music scholarship is funded by Robert ’52 and Leona DeArmond ’51 of Medford. The DeArmonds also fund endowed scholarships for UO business majors and football players.

“I think he has one of the more beautiful voices that I’ve heard here at the university,” says Eric Mentzel, associate professor of voice in the School of Music and Dance. “He has the potential for a professional career as a singer, in terms of his innate talent and ability.

“His voice is very rich. One of my students described it as being like hot fudge.”

"Scholarships are important because they give people opportunities,” says Gutierrez, who works twelve hours a week at a residence hall dining room. “It’s a matter of pride,” he says. “You should still work and do what you can.”