Ford Helps Establish Scholarship For WSU Music Students

DEARBORN, MI — While the business side of the Ford Motor Company is well-publicized, its charitable efforts aren’t as well known. A fresh example is the Ford Motor Company Fund’s recent partnership with the Michigan Opera Theater to establish a $50,000 scholarship fund for aspiring music students at Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts.

The David DiChiera Scholarship Award grants a $10,000 annual scholarship to assist a student enrolled in the vocal performance programs or related music programs. The scholarship program will run for five years.

“Ford Motor Company has long supported MOT and the arts in Southeast Michigan, and we encourage new generations of musicians and composers to carry on the work that David DiChiera started,” said Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company.

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The Fund began our operations in 1949 and has since invested nearly $1.5 billion in civic organizations around the world to help drive a brighter future. The Ford Motor Company Fund focuses on community life, education and driver safety.

DiChiera moved to suburban Detroit from Los Angeles in 1962 and ultimately became the chairman of music at Oakland University. His work at the university laid the foundation for him to create Michigan’s own professional opera company, Michigan Opera Theatre, in 1971, according to a biography on the organization’s website.

“Wayne State University is delighted to help preserve the legacy of David DiChiera through this scholarship program,” said Wayne State CFPCA Dean Matthew Seeger. “We are thankful to the Ford Motor Company Fund and the Michigan Opera Theatre for making this opportunity available to our students.”

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