Northern State University Awards Three Music Scholarships from Loren E. Lomis Trust for 2026-27

When a student dreams of a music degree, the path is often paved with financial hurdles. In a recent announcement from Northern State University’s Department of Music, the Loren E. Lomis Music Scholarship fund will award three full‑time music majors for the 2026‑27 academic year, easing that burden for Kathryn Steger of Aberdeen, Emalea Nelson of Pierre, and Vincent Strenge of Wyndmere.

The scholarship was selected by the university’s scholarship committee, which reviewed all eligible students and applied the fund’s criteria. The committee’s review emphasizes a holistic assessment, balancing grades with musical involvement, to align with the trust’s dual focus on academic excellence and ensemble participation. The Lomis Scholarship was created by the Last Will and Testament of Loren E. Lomis and is administered by the Loren Lomis Trust Under Will, a nonprofit headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since its establishment, the trust has remained a cornerstone of the department’s funding strategy, allowing faculty to attract and retain high‑caliber talent.

Northern State University’s School of Fine Arts offers more than 50 music‑related scholarships each year. These awards span a wide spectrum of students—from incoming freshmen and transfer students to upper‑classmen—and include both music majors and non‑music majors who are actively engaged in the university’s music program. Eligibility requirements vary by award; some focus on instrument, others on minimum GPA or geographic preference.

Students do not apply directly for individual scholarships. Instead, the university reviews all eligible students and awards scholarships based on the criteria set by each fund. Incoming freshmen, transfer students, and returning students may submit a Fine Arts Scholarship Application to be considered for any of the available awards. Prospective applicants should review the Fine Arts Scholarship Application guidelines early to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.

The Lomis Scholarship has a history of supporting talented musicians. Previous recipients include Hannah Gasperich of Aberdeen, Eli Houdyshell of Pierre, and Lora Toncheva of Bulgaria. The continuity of awardees across different hometowns demonstrates the trust’s commitment to supporting students nationwide. The trust’s contributions have been cited as having a lasting impact on the department and its students.

According to filings, the Loren Lomis Trust Under Will gave $8.9 k in grants in 2022 and awarded two grants totaling $14 k in 2024. These figures illustrate the trust’s steady financial contribution, underscoring its role as a reliable source of support for the university’s music students.

The scholarship recipients will receive full‑time financial support for the 2026‑27 academic year. While the exact amount of the award is not disclosed in the announcement, the university notes that the scholarship is designed to cover tuition, fees, and related educational expenses. Recipients can focus more on ensemble rehearsal, audition preparation, and creative projects, knowing that tuition and fees are covered.

The Department of Music expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of the Loren Lomis Trust. The department highlighted that the trust’s contributions help sustain the university’s music program and provide opportunities for students who demonstrate academic and artistic promise. The department’s acknowledgment signals the importance of community partners in sustaining a vibrant music education ecosystem.

Students interested in applying for music or fine‑arts scholarships at Northern State University can find a complete list of available awards and application instructions on the university’s website at northern.edu/academics/school.

The announcement underscores the ongoing role of private trusts in supporting higher‑education music programs in the United States. By providing targeted financial aid, the Loren Lomis Trust helps ensure that talented students can pursue their musical studies without financial barriers. Such targeted aid helps mitigate the high cost of music education, which often includes instrument maintenance, travel for performances, and specialized instruction.

As the 2026‑27 academic year approaches, the scholarship recipients will prepare to enroll at Northern State University and join the university’s music ensembles, continuing the tradition of excellence fostered by the Lomis Scholarship. The 2026‑27 cohort will join the university’s orchestras, chamber groups, and vocal ensembles, continuing the Lomis Scholarship’s legacy of fostering artistic excellence.