News: CCU Professor Leaves a Legacy

CCU Professor Leaves a Legacy

A generous gift to Colorado Christian University from a former professor was announced today by CCU President Bill Armstrong. The bequest came from the estate of Dr. K Marie Stolba who served as Distinguished Lecturer and Visiting Professor of Music at CCU from 1993 to 2005. After her death in 2005, she gifted a significant portion of her estate to the University, which has been used to establish an endowed scholarship for music students and to create an endowed faculty position. Dr. Allen Schantz, CCU Music Professor, was named the Stolba Professor of Music for 2006-2007. In addition to the gift from her estate, Dr. Stolba left CCU her entire personal library which included over 2,000 books, CDs, and music scores.

Dr. Schantz, a long time friend, recalls Dr. Stolba as a person "who was intellectually stimulating, adventurous, and who had a wonderful sense of humor." Dr. Stolba "became the first woman to break the long male-dominated hold on music history texts at the collegiate level," Dr. Schantz pointed out. She was the author of "The Development of Western Music: A History" and other widely used texts.

Dr. Stolba was Professor Emeritus in the music school at Indiana-Purdue at Fort Wayne and taught a variety of music courses for nearly 40 years. She received a bachelor's degree from Monmouth College, a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado, a doctorate from the University of Iowa, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Monmouth College.

"The University is honored by our long association with Dr. Stolba and most fortunate to have individuals such as Dr. Stolba recognize the importance of supporting Christian higher education. Students for years in the future will benefit from Dr. Stolba's gift and commitment to the principles of CCU," President Armstrong said.

CCU's music faculty, students, and the College Music Society Chapter enjoyed her frequent lectures and visits and greatly benefited from her musical talent and knowledge. She served as a friend and mentor to many faculty members in the School of Music. Through her generous gift, Dr. K Marie Stolba will continue touching lives, leaving an enduring legacy that will impact countless students for years to come.