Stamps Renew Commitment to Scholars Program

December 2009

Back in 2006, Penny (BS, Art & Design, ’66) and Roe Stamps established the Stamps Scholars Program, merit-based and earmarked to support the most outstanding incoming freshmen admitted to six colleges and schools, including the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. So far, 70 U-M students are Stamps Scholars.

The Stamps have now renewed their commitment for another four classes of students. “We couldn’t be happier with the young men and women we have been able to meet and support at Michigan,” said Penny Stamps. “We are certain that many outstanding business and community leaders of the future will be graduates of this program.”

Stamps Scholars become members of the Stamps Scholars Society, a student organization that fosters academic achievement, international learning, community involvement, and career planning. So far, SMTD has named 9 Stamps Scholars, two of whom are now in their senior year.

Michael Tyszko, a percussion student working with Michael Udow, says, “Being named a Stamps Scholars has afforded me the opportunity to closely interact with the best and brightest minds from disciplines across campus.”

Andrew Kotarba studies clarinet with Daniel Gilbert. “Andrew is an incredibly talented musician and clarinetist who easily grasps the most difficult techniques into his arsenal of ability. He has become increasingly interested in improvisation and is inspired by the challenge of extemporaneous performance off the page and away from formal tonality. I believe that Andrew will be an innovator in our field in years to come.”

Additionally, it was the Stamps who provided funding for the auditorium in their name, next to the Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. Drama Center, among their many other gifts to the University.