Willie Doris Dunson Memorial Music Scholarship

The family of Willie Doris Dunson is honored to establish in her loving memory the Willie Doris Dunson Memorial Music Scholarship. After marrying, working and raising four children, Willie Doris courageously decided to go to college to pursue her lifelong love of music. She was in her late fifties. Teachers, fellow classmates and friends often expressed their amazement and respect for her courage to pursue her dreams late in life. After college she would go on to teach piano and vocal lessons in her home and served as minister of music for two local churches. Her students adored her and often remarked how they learned so much from her. Willie Doris was known for her unwavering kindness, forgiveness and giving spirit. A born-again Christian from the age of 11 years old, Willie Doris believed in putting her faith into action by helping the needy, visiting the sick and encouraging those in nursing homes with the gift of her music. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting students like Willie Doris Dunson who have a passion for music and who will use their musical talents to help others and to make a positive impact on the world. Its purpose is also to inspire, encourage and remind women who are older that it is never too late to pursue their dreams.

Applicants must:

• be a female student returning to college or starting college for the first time later in life, preferably over 50 years old,
• plan to major in music with a preference for piano-related studies, and
• be a current resident of the Miami Valley or be attending school in the region, and
• be accepted to or currently enrolled in an accredited two-or four-year college or university.

Financial need will be considered if all else is equal