Endowments
The LSM Endowment Fund provides long-term financial stability and support for our students, ensuring the continuation of our mission to educate future leaders in classical and sacred music.
The LSM Endowment Fund includes many endowed faculty chairs, scholarships, and general support. The following endowment scholarship funds have been established to celebrate the enduring legacy of these remarkable individuals, and are open for additional gifts to honor their legacies.
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Dr. Carlos Messerli, 1927-2017
Dr. Carlos Messerli Endowment
The Dr. Carlos Messerli Scholarship Endowment Fund stands as a powerful tribute to honor the indelible legacy and profound impact of Dr. Messerli on LSM. Throughout his tenure as an educator and as the founding Executive Director of the Lutheran Music Program, Dr. Messerli touched the lives of countless individuals, families, and communities. The Messerli Scholarship embodies his spirit by recognizing students who exude a passion for musical excellence and a commitment to music education.
About Dr. Carlos Messerli
Dr. Carlos Messerli was the founding Executive Director of Lutheran Music Program. He received his B.A, in Education from Concordia University Chicago, a M.A. in Piano Performance from Northwestern University, a M.A. in Musicology from the University of Michigan, and his PhD in Choral Literature from the University of Iowa. A professor of music at Concordia University, Nebraska for 20 years, he also served as music director for various congregations in Lincoln, Nebraska.
About The Endowment Fund
Number of Contributions: 1
Current Total: $20,000
Fund Goal: $50,000
How to Contribute
Use the Donate Now box to give by credit/debit card, PayPal, GooglePay, Venmo, or bank transfer. Check the “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” box and enter Dr. Carlos Messerli.
Dr. Carl Schalk, 1929-2021
Dr. Carl Schalk Endowment
The Dr. Carl Schalk Scholarship Endowment Fund honors Dr. Schalk’s legacy in name and in the promise that the future of music and the Church, which he faithfully served, will be preserved through the training and nurturing of young musicians. Students who receive financial support through the Schalk Fund are identified by their own pursuit of church music, and by their desires to use their musical gifts to the service of the Church.
About Dr. Carl Schalk
Carl Schalk was a teacher, musicologist, composer, and author. He was Distinguished Professor of Music Emeritus at Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois. Dr. Schalk was called to Concordia University in 1965 where he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in church music until his retirement in 1994. While at Concordia, Schalk was instrumental in beginning the Master of Church Music program, which produced some one hundred and forty graduates serving throughout the church.
About The Endowment Fund
Number of Contributions: 44
Current Total: $81,594
Fund Goal: $100,000
How to Contribute
Use the Donate Now box to give by credit/debit card, PayPal, GooglePay, Venmo, or bank transfer. Check the “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” box and enter Dr. Carl Schalk.
Peter Wessler, 1957-2020
Peter Wessler Endowment
The Peter Wessler Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to honor Peter and ensure his legacy continues perpetually. Peter served as the LSM Academy Director from 2003 to 2020 and was both the face and the backbone of the LSM summer community for almost two decades. His leadership always included kindness, patience, dedication to the students, and reverence for the program he served. Students who receive financial support through the Wessler Fund are identified by demonstrating the same compassion and dedication to the LSM community that Peter exemplified.
About Peter Wessler
Peter was a talented musician and spent his life sharing that gift with others. In addition to teaching music in public schools, Peter taught String Techniques to music education majors at Bradley University (his alma mater) as an adjunct professor. He was also the choir director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin. Peter played violin in the Peoria Symphony and enjoyed musical collaborations with his wife and children, all of whom are also professional musicians.
About The Endowment Fund
Number of Contributions: 163
Current Total: $31,969
Fund Goal: $50,000
How to Contribute
Use the Donate Now box to give by credit/debit card, PayPal, GooglePay, Venmo, or bank transfer. Check the “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” box and enter Peter Wessler.
Other Ways to Give
Mail a check
Make your check payable to Lutheran Music Program and mail it to:
Lutheran Music Program
P.O. Box 8687
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Give from your IRA
If you are age 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to Lutheran Music Program. A QCD can count toward your required minimum distribution, if applicable. Your IRA administrator can help arrange your gift.
Donor-Advised Fund
Recommend a grant to Lutheran Music Program through your donor-advised fund.
Federal Tax ID: 47-0638445
Donate Appreciated Securities
A gift of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares can support LSM while potentially offering tax benefits. Contact Director of Advancement Eric Sayre at (612) 879-9555 ext. 2 or esayre@lutheransummermusic.org for transfer instructions and to discuss how you would like your gift used.
Will or Estate Plan
Include Lutheran Music Program in your will or estate plans to support future generations of young musicians. Learn more about legacy giving.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars at thrivent.com or call (800) 847-4836.
Employer Matching Gifts
Your employer may match your donation to LSM. Contact your human resources or business office to learn what is offered.
Your tax or financial advisor can help you determine which giving option fits your circumstances.
Organization & Donor Information
Nonprofit Status
Lutheran Music Program, the nonprofit organization behind Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival, is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Federal Tax ID (EIN): 47-0638445
Donor Privacy
We respect your privacy. LSM does not share or sell donors’ personal information or send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations.
Questions About Your Gift?
For help with a gift, receipt, or giving preferences, contact Director of Advancement Eric Sayre at (612) 879-9555 ext. 2 or esayre@lutheransummermusic.org.
A Conversation About Your Giving
Choosing how to support LSM is a personal decision. I would welcome the opportunity to learn what matters most to you, answer your questions, and help you explore the possibilities. Whether you are considering a gift today or planning for the future, I’m here to help you find an approach that reflects your wishes.
Please contact me by email or phone. I look forward to getting to know you.
Eric Sayre
Director of Advancement | LSM ’04–’05
esayre@lutheransummermusic.org
(612) 879-9555 ext. 2
