Friends of the Arts Members Endow Scholarship

The Cal State East Bay organization known as “Friends of the Arts” is celebrating 25 years of supporting students through various programs and has announced a $30,000 donation that will help fund scholarships. Each year the group comprised of former faculty, arts supporters and community members provides scholarships to outstanding students studying music, art, theater/dance and creative writing. 

Now, thanks to the kickoff donation by two members, an endowment is being created to ensure that the support to students will be guaranteed for the future.

The inaugural $30,000 endowment donation to the Friends of the Arts Scholarship in Music was given by David and Karen Stein, who hope it inspires others to contribute to the organization’s goal of indefinitely endowing four scholarships given to music, theater/dance, art and creative writing students.

David Stein, a music professor at Cal State East Bay for more than 30 years, served as the director of choral activities and as graduate coordinator for the department. He became a member of the Friends of the Arts Board in 2010, eventually serving as its chair.

“We hope that this endowment will be the first of many that will benefit the arts students at CSUEB,” he said.

Tanya Hauck, CSUEB university advancement vice president, said the gift is indicative of the “unprecedented way” emeriti faculty members are coming forward to strengthen the university.

“No doubt David’s love of music has impacted many of his former students,” Hauck said. “I think it is very fitting that David and Karen’s permanent scholarship will now endow the gift of music for generations of students who have yet to become Pioneers.”

For more information about the Friends of the Arts or how to support scholarships for outstanding creative and performing arts students, contact Kristin Loheyde, director of development for the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences at kristin.loheyde@csueastbay.edu or call 510-885-4035.