University Development



Five years ago, MaryBeth Koeze started a scholarship to pay tribute to her parents, Albert and Ella Koeze, and help promising art students who have financial need.

Through the Koeze Scholarship, art and design major Jenny Pope was not only able to study abroad in Tamania, she found a mentor in MaryBeth, a fellow artist.

"MaryBeth is a great person to know," Pope said. "I can ask her about galleries because she is a gallery artist and sells her work. She's invited me to her studio and  the gallery that represents her, and she wants to show my work to the gallery."

Koeze said she enjoys meeting and advising her scholarship recipients.

"I find it very satisfying to know that I can give back; that I have the means to give back, because I believe it's important to give back to your community," she said.

Pope recently earned another scholarship, allowing her to attend Oxbow's summer program this year.
MaryBeth Koeze (right) talks with Koeze Scholarship recipient Jenny Pope at a recent event honoring donors and scholarship winners.