CMU Giving Week

Seven founding donors of the Mid Michigan Alumni Chapter of Sigma Chi Brothers and the Toledo Conclave have collectively pledged $35,000 to establish the Paul L. Parets Musical Performance Memorial Scholarship in honor of Paul L. Parets '65.  The scholarship will support undergraduate recipients who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and are members of the Chippewa Marching Band or other musical performance organization at CMU.  Preference will be given to members of Sigma Chi Fraternity in good standing, with special consideration given to recipients who are active in campus activities and organizations and who demonstrate a commitment to leadership and to the arts.  Through this endowed scholarship, the Sigma Chi Fraternity aims to continue Paul Paret’s legacy and commemorate his extraordinary achievements and commitment to nurturing future generations.  

While at CMU, Paul was an active member of the Marching Chips and Symphonic Wind Ensemble, engaged in student government, and notably founded the 147th chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.  His impact on music education throughout his career was nationally recognized in 1988 when he was named National Music Educator of the Year.  Paul's professional career was characterized by his unwavering dedication to education and mentorship. Beginning as an educator at Croswell Lexington High School in Michigan, he spent a decade shaping young minds before moving on to A.I. duPont High School in Delaware. Over his 36 years there, he taught history, government, and music, instilling in his students the philosophy: "To be the best, after all, what else is there?"  Paul's bands not only earned first-place in numerous competitions but also performed at prestigious events such as the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, the Orange Bowl, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Hall of Fame Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, and three U.S. Presidential inaugurations  (most recently that of Barack Obama).  The bands have graced the presence of worldwide dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Benedict, and have performed in renowned venues like Ireland's National Concert Hall and The Royal Albert Hall in London.  

By supporting CMU’s talented student musicians, this scholarship will ensure that Paul's dedication to excellence and education will be an inspiration for generations to come. Please contribute to help us reach our goal of $50,000, which will provide an annual scholarship to musical performance students in perpetuity.