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Roger Benedict Memorial Scholarship

Roger BenedictGroove MasterRoger A. Benedict

"Luthier extraordinaire, loving father of Dylan, Brandon, and Holly, husband of Laurel, mentor, and friend to many"

July 12, 1949 - November 15, 1994

 

 

 

 

In collaboration with the Benedict Guitar Company, motivated by the heart of Laurel and the spirit of Roger, the Minnesota State College Southeast Foundation is proud to announce the Roger A. Benedict Memorial Fund Drive.  The purpose of this fund drive is to create an endowed scholarship fund for aspiring luthiers that will attend the Musical String Instrument Repair Program at Minnesota State College Southeast.     

Roger Benedict was not only a luthier extraordinaire but he was also a life long educator.  One of his basic tenets of thought towards his craft was the power of shared knowledge.  He didn’t believe in keeping his “tricks of the trade” a secret, instead he shared his expertise in crafting beautiful instruments and repairing the down and out instrument.  Roger guided many aspiring luthiers by granting a few lucky folks the opportunity to be his apprentice while also teaching classes at the Red Wing Technical College.

Unfortunately, the technical college and the world was robbed of a great educator and an even greater person when Roger prematurely died in November of 1994 from adult onset leukemia.  By creating an endowed scholarship to support future luthiers, the doors of creativity and the sharing of knowledge will continue indefinitely.

Our goal is to raise a minimum of $25,000 to support aspiring luthiers at MSC Southeast.  Initially this endowment would provide approximately $1,300 in scholarship support.  However, over the course of 50 years the endowment could provide approximately $135,000 in scholarship support.

You can help Roger’s spirit and philosophy of sharing knowledge continue in perpetuity by making a donation to the Roger Benedict Memorial Fund today.  All you have to do is click on this link below to make your tax deductible donation. 

Make a tax deductible donation through GiveMN.org

 Philanthropy on a Budget Direct Debit Program (PDF 30 KB)

Red Wing Students