In Review
DEANSHIP: The endowed deanship, named in recognition of Martin Messinger ’49 (above) and his late wife, Joan, will be held by Douglas Lowry (below), the school’s sixth dean. (Photo: University Communications)
(Photo: Eastman School)Douglas Lowry, the Eastman School’s sixth dean, will be named the first Joan and Martin Messinger Dean of the Eastman School of Music, thanks to a commitment from Martin Messinger ’49, a life trustee of the University, and his late wife, Joan, who died in April.
The endowed deanship provides a source of permanent funding in support of programming and areas of critical need for the dean of the Eastman School.
“Marty has been a steadfast believer in the University, and his support of Eastman has been truly inspirational,” Lowry says. “Joan and Marty’s values, wisdom, and sense of family are only a few of their admirable traits, and we treasure their being part of the Eastman family.” Messinger has been a member of the Eastman School’s Board of Managers since 1998, and his family has supported programs and initiatives across the University, including Rush Rhees Library and its facilities. The Messingers also have established funds supporting the Judaic studies program, the student Debate Union, and the Messinger Library Recognition Award. At Eastman, the Messingers helped to provide a new home for the Eastman Community Music School at 10 Gibbs St., a facility dedicated in 2005 in memory of Messinger’s mother, Anne Waltuck Messinger.
“I am proud to be associated with the Eastman School of Music, one of the world’s premier institutions for music performance, scholarship, and entrepreneurship,” Messinger says. “This commitment is just the beginning. It is my hope that others will join us in honoring the Eastman School’s legacy of innovation and artistry through generous endowed funding for its faculty leaders.”
Lowry will be officially installed in the new deanship this fall.
Helene Snihur is an assistant director of public relations at the Eastman School.
