Foundation celebrates donors

Nearly 60 donors, volunteers, and representatives from the faculty and administration of LSMSA attended the LSMSA Foundation’s sixth annual 1983 Society celebration held Saturday, Nov. 5, at Tommy’s Cuisine in New Orleans.

The Foundation’s 1983 Society helps the school foster a tradition of philanthropy by recognizing its most loyal and committed supporters. Annual contributions of $1,983 or more qualify an individual or organization for membership in the 1983 Society.

The event also featured the Foundation’s third annual presentation of the 1983 Society Wingspan Award for Dedication, an award created to recognize and celebrate the dedication of individuals and organizations who demonstrate meaningful and extraordinary support for LSMSA through financial means, volunteer time, advocacy and other avenues of engagement considered to go above and beyond.

This year’s award recipients were Dr. Patrick and Betsy Widhalm and Drs. Art and Sharon Williams.

A piano and violin musical tribute to the Wingspan Award winners was performed by LSMSA alumni and siblings Dr. Jane Jee-Sun Kang (’91) and Dr. William Kang (’99).

Widhalm worked 15 years as LSMSA’s longest-serving executive director. He now works as head of school at Ben Franklin High School. He and Betsy have been long-term supporters of the LSMSA Foundation’s 1983 Society.

He began his LSMSA career in 1985, teaching major and minor study piano, giving recitals and accompanying students for the next eight years. Betsy created the class piano program (which included writing her own textbook), taught private lessons, performed and accompanied – sometimes as adjunct and sometimes as a full-time faculty member. She also taught in the prep department at Centenary College and for the Louisiana Virtual School. In 1989, they had the wonderful opportunity to start the Louisiana Piano Festival.

In 1998, Widhalm was offered the opportunity of helping to found the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. It had been a highly successful summer program for a number of years, and its president was able to secure funding and legislative support to open a year-round residential school. He was the dean of arts and academics and learned a great deal from working with and watching the president. During these years, Betsy was president of the Greenville Youth Orchestra and continued her legal education at the University of South Carolina.

A consulting visit at LSMSA in the fall of 2000 opened the prospect of returning to LSMSA following the retirement of Bro. Dave Sinitiere, executive director. Widhalm was named as the next executive director.

“The next 15 years are among the richest and most rewarding imaginable as the school nurtured and established its unique and vital role for education in Louisiana,” said Widhalm. “Restarting the Foundation; connecting with alumni; navigating difficult budget years; gaining funding stability through MFP; building the Center for Performance and Technology; renovating the Annex; working with amazing educators who built LSMSA and new hires who advanced its work – it was truly a privilege to work for and to represent one of the greatest schools anywhere.”

Dr. Patrick and Betsy Widhalm’s award was presented to them by Christie Weeks, a parent of four alumni, former president of the Foundation and past winner of the Wingspan Award.

Dr. Sharon Sturdivant Williams served as a member of the organizing team that helped recruit the first LSMSA class. She was part of LSMSA from the beginning and served in a variety of roles over the years, including coordinator of student activities, coordinator of alumni affairs and public relations, and director of outreach and admissions.

In the early 1990s, she worked with the Student Government Organization to establish the level system for students, a reward system that is still in place today, and she was especially proud to assist with Eagle Rock and Sibling Weekend.

Dr. Art Williams began working at LSMSA in 1984 and served in many roles as well – chair of the humanities department, faculty representative to the Board of Directors, executive director of LSMSA and, finally, as a senior lecturer in humanities.

While serving as executive director, he led LSMSA through some of its darkest budget times in history and ensured that the 10th graduating class would not be the last graduating class. He began SLAMT, the sports weekend where LSMSA competes against its sister schools, and under his term as director, the new gym was opened. He also served as faculty sponsor to the school’s student newspaper, “The Renaissance.”

Both are still involved with LSMSA, even beyond retirement. They attend reunions, On the Road alumni events and, of course, joined the 1983 Society through generous financial contributions.

Drs. Art and Sharon Williams’ award was presented by their daughter, Sarah Sturdivant Williams, an LSMSA graduate from the Class of 2007.

“The overwhelming dedication of our alumni, parents and other donors is inspiring,” said Katja Thomakos, executive director of the Foundation. “It was truly an honor to celebrate our Wingspan Award recipients and all of our generous supporters at this important event.

“Because of these dedicated individuals, the LSMSA Foundation is able to provide LSMSA with critical resources and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.” 

For more information about the LSMSA Foundation, visit www.LSMSA.edu/foundation.