Director's Award Endowed Scholarship

The Music Department Director’s Endowed Scholarship is given annually to the instrumental student who has exhibited exemplary participation in band and/or orchestra ensembles.

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Scholarship Criteria: Recipients must be full-time students at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul with a GPA of 2.5 or greater and must be instrumental music students participating in band and/or orchestra as determined by the directors. Preference is given to upper-level students, especially seniors, who demonstrate faithful participation in the life of the university and consistent involvement in instrumental music programs.

Scholarship Story:

The Director’s Award Endowed Scholarship reflects a lifelong commitment to music and ministry by John and Merridee Benham. Established in December 2022, this scholarship honors not only their personal journey, but also their deep and multi-generational connection to University of Northwestern – St. Paul.

John’s connection to Northwestern began early. His father attended the university, and as a young boy, John occasionally sat in on classes at the former campus. From those early experiences, he developed a desire to one day become a Northwestern student himself. Raised in a Christian home, he remembers his mother reading Bible stories to him, shaping the foundation of his faith and calling.

That calling led him to Northwestern, where he pursued a double major in Instrumental Music Education and Vocal Music Education. During his time as a student, a pivotal moment occurred when he was asked to sing for an event and was paired with a piano accompanist named Merridee Matson. That partnership in music soon became a lifelong partnership in marriage and ministry. Merridee, a Piano major, graduated from UNW in 1963, followed by John in 1964. Later, John completed his M.A. and Ed.D. in Instrumental Music Education with an emphasis on Conducting at the University of Northern Colorado.

Together, John and Merridee built lives centered on music, education, and service. John’s career spanned teaching roles at the elementary, middle school, high school, college, and graduate levels. He became widely known for his advocacy for music education. In the 1980s, John successfully challenged a school board’s decision to eliminate elementary music programming, demonstrating through research that such cuts would ultimately harm both students and budgets. This effort led to many more opportunities over the years to preserve music programs in schools across the country.

Beyond the classroom, John’s work extended into ministry, consulting, and entrepreneurship. He founded the nonprofit Music in World Cultures, which equips churches and ministries around the world to develop culturally meaningful expressions of worship. His work in ethnomusicology and worship studies has influenced students and leaders across many countries. Merridee has also continued her influence through teaching music and investing in students through her piano instruction.

John’s impact on Northwestern is especially significant. In 1971, he was invited by President Bill Berntsen to develop a formal music program at the university. Through his leadership and vision, music became an established academic major. He later returned to Northwestern in the mid-1990s and continued teaching until his retirement in December 2024, including sharing his expertise in music in world cultures.

The Benhams established this scholarship out of gratitude for Northwestern and a desire to see its music program continue to thrive. Their family’s connection to the university spans multiple generations, including their children and grandchildren, making Northwestern an important part of their family legacy.

This scholarship specifically honors students who demonstrate faithfulness over time. John shared that many students step away from music participation in their later college years, and he wanted to encourage those who remain committed. By giving preference to upper-level students, this award recognizes perseverance, dedication, and a continued contribution to campus life through music.

Through this scholarship, John and Merridee celebrate students who use their musical gifts in service to others and who remain steadfast in their commitment to both their education and their faith. Their hope is that recipients will continue to grow as musicians, leaders, and followers of Christ, carrying forward the same passion and purpose that has shaped their lives.