Fine Arts and Communications Annual Fund

•	College Annual Fund (click here to donate) The College of Fine Arts and Communications Annual Fund provides funds to be used at the discretion of the dean where the need is greatest.
•	BYU-TV Endowment (click here to donate) BYU Television is an international television network currently broadcast in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Contributions to this endowment will enable the production of more original programming, providing a richer mix of offerings that educate the minds and enlighten the spirits of an ever-wider audience hungry for these programs. (To read more, click here)
•	Museum of Art Endowment (click here to donate) The endowment for the Museum of Art funds museum operations—including maintaining the museum’s collection, bringing in new exhibits, and creating important outreach programs such as touring exhibits and internet access. (To read more, click here)

Melissa Thorne, Music Education

From the Dean:

Once a year I receive some good news when the director of the BYU Annual Fund comes to my office and lets me know how much has been donated to our college. I’m always surprised because the amount is quite significant. You and many others who support our college are very generous!

Almost immediately, my thoughts turn to the students who will benefit from your generosity.

To me, donations to the BYU Annual Fund represent more than money. Each contribution is a gift of light. Each dollar helps another student to shine. You would enjoy seeing the faces of these students when we tell them they have qualified for a scholarship—or that their application for a mentored learning grant has been approved. Their countenances brighten. For many it is an answer to prayer. And they are always appreciative.

I, too, appreciate your ongoing support of the BYU Annual Fund. Thank you for your past gifts. You are one of our most loyal donors. Here’s a short report to illustrate how your investment in education enabled us to let another light shine.

MEET MELISSA THORNE
Melissa Thorne, a recent music education graduate from our college, received a glowing evaluation when she left BYU. Her professor, Dr. Paul Broomhead, wrote that Melissa was quite possibly the most outstanding student teacher he has mentored in the past decade.

It didn’t take long for Melissa to live up to Dr. Broomhead’s praise. After graduation she immediately took over a thriving choral program at Timpanogos High School in Orem, Utah, and is now utilizing her uncommonly delightful personality and musical abilities to help teenage youngsters develop their talents.

But that’s just part of the story. This remarkable success wouldn’t have happened at all without funds from those who support the College of Fine Arts and Communications through the BYU Annual Fund. During all five years at BYU, Melissa enjoyed the blessing of scholarships. While she is grateful for all of them, it is the last one that made the biggest difference.

“I am obligated to attain my art degree,” he explains, “that I may communicate the trials, faith, and love of the ‘Lost Boys of Sudan.’ ”

“That scholarship,” Melissa says, “made it possible for me to focus more intensely on my student teaching efforts. I could put my time into truly getting the most out of this final experience at BYU. The scholarship allowed me to accept a student teaching assignment in the Salt Lake Valley. It helped me cover the cost of traveling to and from Taylorsville Utah each day. I can’t imagine student teaching anywhere else, and it might have been impossible without the additional funds from the School of Music.”

Melissa will never forget the kind and generous people who played such an influential role in her life. “I’m incredibly grateful for the funding that allowed me to go above and beyond in my education,” she says.

Because of you and many generous people like you, I think Melissa has a very bright future. Wherever she goes, her light will shine.

TO GIVE A GIFT OF LIGHT
To give your gift of light this year, please complete the reply card you received in the mail or contribute online at College of Fine Arts and Communications Annual Fund. Remember that 100 percent of your gift will go where you designate.

Thank you,
Dean Stephen M. Jones