$300K gift in memory of Edith Johnson '50 to support CU-Mansfield music through the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation

A $300,000 gift from the trust of Edith Johnson '50 was provided to the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation (MUMF) to support music students at Commonwealth University-Mansfield.

The gift was made by Ken and Charles Johnson in memory of their late mother on what would have been her 96th birthday.

"Our mom was so passionate about music," Ken Johnson said. "Being able to educate people on the proper fundamentals of any instrument they chose was not just a gift, but her calling.

"To be able to have her legacy live on through support to her alma mater is a blessing that can't be put into words," he added.

"Mansfield's acclaimed music program has produced generations of accomplished musicians and music educators," said Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University. "Thanks to the generous support from Edith's sons and the Johnson trust, Mansfield will continue to attract talented musicians to Northern Pennsylvania seeking a transformational educational experience."

The gift will support an endowed music scholarship for future music students at Mansfield, provide unrestricted funds to recruit and retain Mansfield music students, and to support student priorities. A classroom will be named in Johnson's memory in recognition of this historic gift.

"This generous gift will be used immediately to support Mansfield music student needs and experiences," said Nate Rinnert, co-assistant chair for the Commonwealth University Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. "We plan to name Butler 102 in Edith Johnson's memory as the Edith Johnson Music Education Center, as this is the hub of music education activity and resources at Mansfield.

"The music students, alumni and faculty at Mansfield pride themselves on the quality and range of musical experiences offered on and off campus," Rinnert added. "All alumni support is instrumental in the development and continuation of such fine programming."

Born in Marienville, Edith graduated from Mansfield with a bachelor's degree in music education in 1950. She went on to teach grade school music in Kansas City, orchestrating many performances and shows throughout her career. After retiring from teaching in schools, Edith continued to teach piano in her home on her beloved Steinway grand piano until her last recital in 2013. In total, Edith taught piano for 70 years.

She passed away peacefully to the sound of classical music in 2022.

Mansfield was the first institution in Pennsylvania to offer a degree in music education and today offers degrees in music, music education and music performance.

The Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation is the only officially recognized foundation that exists solely to support CU-Mansfield and its students. To make a gift, visit mountaineerfdn.org.