Caine Legacy Carries On Through New Scholars Program

The Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University announces the Caine Scholars for Excellence, a new scholarship program made available with the support of Dan C. and Manon Caine Russell as part of the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation – Russell Family.

“We look at these scholarships as not just a gift—we look at them as an investment in the future; an investment in these gifted students’ potential, talent and character,” said Manon Caine Russell.

The Caine Scholars program addresses the goal of the college to attract and retain exceptional students as art, music and theater majors and strives to keep financial considerations from limiting their success.

“We ask the Caine Scholars to follow in the footsteps of my parents: that they lead by example, that they consider the needs of others before their own, and that they devote their time and energy to using the talent they have been given in the service of others and in the service of the arts,” said Manon Caine Russell.

The Marie Eccles Caine Foundation was formed in 1981 to support the arts in northern Utah. Throughout the years, Marie’s daughters, Kathryn Caine Wanlass and Manon Caine Russell continued the family’s tradition of supporting the arts. Through the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation – Russell Family, the support continues to impact the quality of student opportunities through scholarships, programs and performances.

“The Caine Scholars for Excellence program in the Caine College of the Arts represents one of the most significant achievements to date for the newest college at USU,” said Craig Jessop, dean of the Caine College of the Arts. “Through the generosity and vision of Dan and Manon Caine Russell, who support this program through the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation – Russell Family, we are able to attract the finest students engaged in the arts throughout the nation.”

This is a program that will stand as a tribute to Dan C. and Manon Caine Russell and Manon’s mother, Marie Eccles Caine, and as a lasting legacy of the college, said Jessop. As these students become the next generation of leaders in the arts, the college looks forward to inviting them to serve as mentors to future Caine Scholars.

Scholarship recipients are selected jointly by the college’s department heads and dean’s office administration. 

“The program is about much more than the scholarship money.  Although the dollar amount is significant, more important is the assembly of artists and scholars this program will create,” said Jessop. “These future ambassadors of the arts will carry the name of the Caine College of the Arts and Utah State University to the world.”

Anna Moore, a junior in USU’s Department of Art and Design, is a Caine Scholar. She recalls being drawn to the visual arts as a young child. Growing up around art, Moore said, she was witness to all its demands and expression. Through this scholarship, she has the opportunity to interact with professionals and faculty dedicated to helping her advance her studies.

“I feel honored to be a Caine Scholar,” said Moore. “Receiving this level of support carries with it an expectation that is humbling. Knowing people have high hopes for me is motivation to do well in and out of class. As I see people like Manon Caine and Dan C. Russell and our college’s dean and faculty devoted to helping others, I am encouraged to pursue involvement and service as well.”

Abby Bennion, a freshman in USU’s Department of Music, said the Caine Scholarship provides a platform for reaching goals. She said the standards of the program encourages the scholars to work hard at building characteristics essential for being successful leaders, teachers and thriving artists.

“I am fortunate to be involved with the incredible fine arts programs at Utah State University," said Bennion. “Not only does the Caine Scholarship help me afford this great level of education, but it provides an opportunity for me to continue refining my talents and skills so I will be capable of giving back to the world.”

Awards were based on several factors, including demonstrated need, previous academic experience and leadership potential, said Chris Terry, associate dean of student affairs in the CCA.

“We see this as an important step to building a strong college. Through these scholarships we will attract and retain model students into this program, which will--because of the collaborative nature of the arts—elevate the educational experience for all students,” said Terry.

The Caine Scholars program is designed to attract students to USU as freshman with the promise of a continued scholarship; however, the scholar will have to apply annually and meet the standards, said Terry. Those students who continue to meet the standards of the scholarship will have funding for four years.

“This scholarship is based on a combination of academics, performance and portfolios,” said Terry. “We want those who will excel in the field of art on many levels.”

According to Terry, the program is truly a building opportunity for a collective of arts students to collaborate and work together. He said the program will cause a natural integration between disciplines in the arts as these students communicate and grow together throughout their time at USU.

“These scholars have the opportunity to start building strong relationships that cross over the boundaries of the arts,” said Terry. “This experience will form lifelong bonds among these students.”

In addition, this program is a solid recruitment tool that will bring great students to USU and improve the overall quality and performance of students who are currently enrolled. Placing two or three exceptional scholars who can act as leaders will change standards and raise the bar for the group as a whole.

“This is a system that works. I have seen the result of having student leaders in the classroom. They act as role models and lead the way to improved performance for the whole class,” said Terry.

The Caine Scholarship program illustrates the dedication of the Caine College of the Arts, Utah State University and the Russell family to the performing arts, said Brendan Allen, a sophomore in USU’s Department of Theatre Arts.

“I didn’t always know I wanted to be an actor,” said Allen. “After I graduated from high school, I worked as a welder…but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Then I decided to go to a comedy improv show and participate. I immediately found that I loved being on stage. The Caine Scholarship has given me a chance to return to school.”

 
As this program unfolds over the coming years, it is the hope and belief that the designation of Caine Scholar will become a hallmark of excellence and integrity in all the students do professionally and personally. The lives of these students will become the living legacy of the Caine name, said Jessop.

Writer and Contact:  Denise Albiston, denise.albiston@usu.edu