b"14Gift to Music Honors DONORSAgricultural Heritage KristyHenshawDenmansjourneyfromaWillametteValleyfarmtoaThroughout her career, Kristy's passion for music remained a passionate supporter of Southern Oregon University exempli\x1fes the power ofconstant. After singing with the Southern Oregon Repertory family and its in\x1euence on ones aspirations. Growing up on the family farmSingers,shejoinedtheRogueValleyChoralein1984, near Brownsville, Kristy found inspiration in music, a passion ignited by hereventually serving as a board member. The community she father. It was a love for music and children that led her to SOU, where shefoundinthechoirmirroredthesenseofbelongingshe pursued a degree in education with a music specialist concentration. experienced at SOU. She is also a former member of the Rogue Opera board and currently serves on the board for the There is an enduring bond between Kristy and the family farm. It is thisCraterian Theater. heritage that is re\x1eected in her commitment to establish an endowed faculty fellowship in music and scholarships to deserving Oregon students through aOne of the most remarkable moments of Kristy's life was her bequest. involvement with the SOU Choraliers. Selected for a USO tour SOUF ANNUAL REPORT 2024during the winter of 1970-71, Kristy and her fellow students After graduation, Kristy taught elementary school in Medford for 15 years,performed for troops stationed across Asia. She established infusing her love of music into every subject. While she cherished her time inlifelong connections that have stayed with her and in\x1euenced theclassroomandtheconnectionsshemadewithherstudents,Kristyher desire to give to SOU. eventually felt pulled to pursue a di\x1derent path.Ihopethescholarshipswillhelpstudentsfeel\x1fnancially Seeking adventure, Kristy became a \x1eight attendant for Continental Airlines.secure,creatingamoreconducivelearningenvironment. Based in Denver and Houston, Kristy spent the next 15 years traversing theWhileIcantsolveeverystudentsproblem,Ihopethese U.S. while her (late) husband Don practiced law in Medford. Despite thescholarships can provide some relief, said Kristy.demandingtravelschedule,Kristythrivedonthecamaraderieandthe opportunity to meet people from all walks of life."