For Release: 03-06-2006

Sorenson Legacy Foundation Gives $1 Million to Southern Utah University for Endowed Chair

Donation Endows Professorial Chair in Elementary Arts Education
Gift Represents First Endowed Chair in University’s History

CEDAR CITY (March 6, 2006) – Today it was announced that the Sorenson Legacy Foundation donated $1 million to Southern Utah University to endow a permanent chair in the College of Education. The chair will be named the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Endowed Professorial Chair in Elementary Arts Education.

The purpose of the chair is to help promote the teaching of the arts to children in Southern Utah elementary schools. The chair will be charged with improving the arts education of elementary school classroom teachers and elementary school art teachers by developing curriculum and teaching pre-service arts education courses, and by initiating and participating in professional development opportunities both at the university and in the community. The chair will also develop and coordinate arts outreach initiatives, and work with Southern Utah school districts, other universities and colleges, arts organizations and others to promote sequential teaching of the arts in Utah’s elementary schools.

Beverley Taylor Sorenson is a tireless advocate of arts education for children, dedicating countless hours and substantial resources to this cause. In 1995, she founded the independent, non-profit foundation art works for kids, which began as a pilot program to promote music, dance, visual art and drama in six Utah elementary schools. Today, art works for kids serves thousands of school children and teachers by supporting innovative, sequential arts education programs in schools and communities through grants, support services and advocacy work. The foundation recently launched a major initiative in the southern region of the state. (See “art works for kids Announces Efforts in Southern Utah”)

“Arts education should be in every Utah elementary school because it is crucial to the success of children as individuals and as citizens,” said Sorenson. “Making this happen is not easy, and no one person or organization can do it alone. It takes many people and groups working together—from parents and teachers, to school districts and universities. Building partnerships with institutions like Southern Utah University is key to our success because that’s where our teachers are trained and certified. We are so grateful to President Bennion, SUU and arts advocates across the state for all the work they do to help the children of Utah get the education they need—and deserve.”

“The establishment of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Endowed Professorial Chair in Elementary Arts Education is a vital initiative at SUU for several reasons,” said President Steven Bennion. (1) this is the first endowed chair at the University; (2) It is being established in the field of education and teacher training-the original purpose for which SUU was created; and (3) this vital teaching and leadership position is aimed at preparing talented teachers who have expertise and passion for the arts and will provide inspired teaching for elementary students in the arts.”

Southern Utah University Provost Abe Harraf said this about the value of arts education: “Teaching students on importance of arts in their early age is essential in developing their interest and appreciation of arts. Arts education broadens one’s perspective, encourages pursuit of natural beauty, and develops a person as a well rounded individual.”