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SJU student awarded Presser Foundation Award
June 18, 2009
Saint John’s University senior Jonathan Gregoire is the recipient of a Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award for the 2009-10 academic year.
Gregoire, a music major in organ performance who graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Mich., was selected by the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University music faculty in recognition of his excellence and merit. He will receive a certificate and a $4,800 scholarship for his senior year and will be acknowledged as a Presser Undergraduate Scholar. He is the son of Wayne and Mary Gregoire of Naperville, Ill.
He is the fifth CSB or SJU student to receive a Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award since the 2005-06 academic year. The others were Amanda Crosby (2005-06), Jessica Scherer (2006-07), Matt Haider (2007-08) and Tyler Tholl (2008-09).
The Presser Foundation was established in 1916 by Theodore Presser, who was a strong advocate of music education within institutions of learning. Funding for Gregoire’s scholarship was provided by The Pressser Foundation, in recognition of the quality of the CSB/SJU music department.
Along with his academic involvement in organ, piano and voice lessons (his primary instructor in organ at CSB and SJU is K.R. Kasling, professor of music), Gregoire plays for Saint John’s Campus Ministry gatherings and celebrations. In addition, Gregoire played for the world premiere of Praise for organ and steel drum by Carol Barnett at the National Convention of the American Guild of Organists. This distinctive experience included a recording session, which is sold with the score through Augsburg Fortress. Gregoire has not only performed with talented musicians from Minnesota, but he also has worked with many prominent international and national organists in master classes held in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
After graduation, Gregoire plans to complete a doctorate and would like to study abroad on a Fulbright Scholarship. He plans to perform, compete and continue to accompany other musicians. Gregoire will use his Presser Scholarship to help fund travel for a Study Abroad experience in France this fall, lessons and a final year of undergraduate study. While in France, he hopes to connect with prominent organists and study their style of playing.
“I want to maintain my ambition for lofty goals and dreams,” Gregoire said. “I will cherish this adventure, and I will be genuinely happy.”