Alcorn student selected 2012 Presser Foundation Scholar, receives $4,800 award
Alcorn State, Miss (November 1, 2012) – Alcorn State University student Larry Macklin has been selected as the 2012 Presser Foundation Scholar. In recognition of his outstanding achievement as a music major, Macklin received his certificate and a check for $4,800 at the University’s 66th Biannual Honors Convocation on October 24.
Macklin says he is honored to have been chosen to receive this prestigious award. “I am endlessly thankful to the University, to my instructors and mentors for helping me grow both personally and professionally, for a music scholarship and the opportunities I have been enjoying during my tenure at Alcorn. I made the right choice and I know that Alcorn is the school for me.”
“I met Larry and his parents during his first trip to Alcorn. I auditioned him and immediately saw that Larry had a unique gift that Alcorn could help him develop,” shared Charles Wesley, conductor of the ASU Men Chorale and assistant professor of music (voice). “Larry is a hard working student who has worked tirelessly during his tenure at Alcorn and I encourage him to continue to perfect his voice to achieve his academic and artistic goals.”
Director of Choral Activities in the Department of Fine Arts Donna Schaffer has been a source of support for Macklin for the past three years as his advisor and applied voice instructor. She says, “Larry is an extremely focused and industrious student. He understands what it requires to take on a serious project and to see it through to fruition, for example, preparation for his audition for the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters. He was also the only undergraduate student selected to represent the University at The 105 Voices of History held recently in Washington D.C. Achieving these goals speak to his determination and drive.”
“Larry Macklin was selected as the Presser Scholar by a vote of the music faculty last spring,” said Dr. Larry Konecky, chair and professor of music, Department of Fine Arts. “He has a positive personality and is regarded as a model student. An honor like the Presser Foundation Award affords a student of Larry’s caliber numerous opportunities to help him become a successful working professional.”
“We are elated for Larry to receive this prestigious award and thankful to the Presser Foundation for recognizing the achievements of Alcorn students,” stated Marcus Ward, vice president for Institutional Advancement/executive director of ASU Foundation, Inc. “Financial support means a lot to deserving students; it helps them stay in school and graduate.”
Macklin is a Memphis, Tennessee native who has been artistically inclined since childhood. He has participated in high school musicals, concerts and played at local venues. Upon graduation from Craigmont High School in 2009, he entered Alcorn State University, where he majored in music performance. While at Alcorn, Macklin has maintained a 3.5 cumulative GPA and actively participates in University life – he served as a student ambassador and is a part of the Men Chorale and ASU Concert Choir. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. A senior, he is planning to graduate in May 2013 and would like to continue his education, and apply to master’s programs in music. His ultimate goal is to become a professional singer.
The Alcorn family congratulates Larry Macklin for being selected as the 2012 Presser Foundation Scholar!
The Presser Foundation is dedicated to the support of music and music education. For more information, visit www.presserfoundation.org .
Pictured L to R: President Brown and Larry Macklin at the Convocation.
