Greetings from the Music Department at William Paterson University.  We are writing to invite you to join us in celebrating the contributions made by Nan Guptill-Crain during her tenure at William Paterson. When we asked Nan what she wanted for a retirement party, she told us she wanted to celebrate with her students from the last 48 years! Her first desire is to see and reminisce with as many former students as possible. Remember all those trips to New York City-- the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and NYFOS concerts?  All those parties at her house? All those treats in her studio?  Countless College Chorus and Chamber Singers performances both on campus and at many venues off campus? Trips to NATS conferences, and weekends out of town?  Moments of unexpected discussion and advice when you needed personal and professional support? And most importantly, remember her passion for teaching and music?

Nan’s retirement celebration will also be the launch of the Nan Guptill Crain Scholarship Fund. Nan decided to establish a scholarship fund for music students, a cause she has always supported. To this end, Nan will match every contribution dollar for dollar, be it $10 or $1000.  Nan’s dream is to leave an endowed scholarship (minimum of $25,000), that would provide scholarship support in her name in perpetuity.  We hope you can join us in honoring Nan and help make her dream come true. 

Nan tells us that she will truly miss working with students on a daily basis, with the constant stimulation that comes from music making and guiding students as they come into their own musically. But she says she will not miss getting up every morning at 5 o’clock in order to be at school no later than 8.  Her weekend schedule will be freer to pursue other interests, and to nap! She also plans to have daily Bach at her own piano instead of on WQXR as she did driving to school, as well as time to travel, to visit friends and family, and see more of the world.

The Music Department Faculty would be delighted if you would accept our invitation to be part of this important celebration for Nan on Wednesday, May 24^th from 4-7 p.m. in the campus Student Center. We are trying to reach as many former students as possible, so we ask that you post this announcement on your Facebook page and other social media outlets. Also, please forward to other former students to encourage their attendance at this exciting and memorable tribute event. We are grateful to Nan for establishing this scholarship fund that will support our music students for years to come. If you plan to attend this celebration, please RSVP by May 19th to John Link at 973-720-2340 or via email: linkj@wpunj.edu.

You can make your tax deductible gift for the Nan Guptill Crain Scholarship Fund online at www.wpunj.edu/giving. In the box marked “Other Designations” please write “Nan Guptill Crain Scholarship.” If you prefer to mail your donation please send your check made payable to: William Paterson University Foundation and mail to: Spencer Scott, Foundation Office, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, NJ 07470. Please write “Guptill Crain Scholarship” in the memo section on the check.

Sincerely,

Diane Falk-Romaine
Chair, Music Department
William Paterson University