Dacho and Ruth Dachoff of Sarasota, Fla., have established the Dacho and Ruth Dachoff Outstanding Musician Award Endowment Fund through the Ferris Foundation. Dachoff was a devoted conductor, educator and leader of arts and cultural activities at Ferris State University for nearly 29 years, with his wife playing a vital role in his success through her tireless support and encouragement of his efforts.

Music courses at Ferris State University originated with the University's founder Woodbridge N. Ferris and formal music activities were established in 1907 when Ferris hired the first director of music. Selection of an outstanding musician was initiated in the 1950s and the Dachoff Endowment re-establishes this award with the additional recognition of a scholarship.

The endowment also broadens the focus of recognition to include students from the jazz and orchestra ensembles, as well as major instrumental ensembles created in the future. The Dachoff Endowment recognizes outstanding student musicians and also emphasizes the enrichment music activities bring to students' lives.

"It is wonderful to see the Dachoffs providing endowment scholarship support for Ferris music activities students," Ferris Humanities Academic Department Head Donald Flickinger said. "Dacho's tireless efforts as Ferris' director of music activities created the music ensemble opportunities and program structure we use today for our musicians to continue their interest in music as a lifelong recreation. I am sure future music students will be grateful."

Students eligible for the award should be full-time students who have participated for a minimum of three semesters in one of the following Ferris music organizations: West Central Concert Band, university orchestra or jazz ensemble. Award recipients also should have a desire to continue participation with Ferris music activities and will be nominated by conductors of their respective music activities organization.

For more information or to make a gift to the Dacho and Ruth Dachoff Outstanding Musician Award Endowment Fund, please contact the Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365 or fsufdn@ferris.edu. Details about establishing scholarships or endowments may be obtained from the Advancement Office at (231) 591-3825.