In October of 2018, depression took the life of Nathan Ward, a 2013 graduate of the MU School of Music. Nathan's skills in cello, piano, composition and voice resulted in many awards, successful competitions and a bright future. Following graduation from the School of Music, Nathan was accepted to Northwestern University and completed a Master of Music degree in voice in 2016. He spent three summers singing in San Diego with Opera NEO, and the summers of 2016 and 2017 with Central City Opera in Colorado. Nathan joined Opera for the Young in Madison, Wisconsin for their 2016-17 season and joined Opera Colorado during their 2017-18 season. Because Nathan touched so many through his artistry and shared generously his passion for music, this Scholarship, the Nathan Ward Memorial Scholarship, honors his memory and hopes to assist future, talented students during their studies at Mizzou.
This scholarship is awarded to an incoming undergraduate student in voice who displays exceptional vocal talent and possesses superior musical skills. The scholarship is open to all voices, but preference will be given to tenors, Nathan’s voice type.