Giving Back to the Chapter and Honoring a Legacy

by Miranda Cook

Outreach Director - KKΨ Alumni Association

One of the things that alumni can do after graduating is to give back to the band program, whether that be through donations or service. At Southeastern Oklahoma State University, that is what the alumni at the Eta Nu chapter strove for to celebrate their 20th anniversary. They wanted to give back to not only the band program, but also the chapter, university, and community. With the assistance of various alumni, they were able to establish a scholarship that honors Mr. David H. Christy, who served as the Director of Bands from 1995-2008. Mr. Christy also helped lead the effort for rechartering the Eta Nu and served as faculty sponsor. The scholarship is intended to be awarded to an active Eta Nu chapter member with a GPA of at least a 3.0 or higher. The Eta Nu alumni strove for the highest, as this is the first and only of its kind in the history of the university.

“It feels like I have come full circle, it also feels like I’m honoring my family’s legacy,” Charles “Trey” Coley Lusk, one of the main organizers of this project, states. “It also feels like we’re giving one young person a bit of a boost every academic year that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.” Trey speaks from his personal experience, as he was able to receive a music scholarship through Mr. Christy’s support. Trey mentions that the scholarship provided him with the foundation to receive his degree and in several aspects of his life. He, along with several alumni brothers, wanted to provide that opportunity for band members.

Angie Kemp, one of the founding brothers of the Eta Nu chapter, knew exactly who to honor with this scholarship when the idea was in fruition. “Mr. Christy became known as a just great ambassador, band director, person that could bring everyone together. He has done so much for us not only on campus, but just the things that we learned growing into adults, going into our professional careers,” she states. There were multiple stories shared on how much of an impact that Mr. Christy has made with the Brothers of Eta Nu and the bands at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. It is clear that Mr. Christy is a Brother who strives for the highest and guides his students to success.

“He has worked a lot with our students, music education students, and later as a clinician with our band, and has lots of beautiful gems of knowledge about making music. He’s supportive of this program, is supportive of the students, and now, in his new position, is looking to support all the bands of this region and helping them to be more successful in their programs every day,” affirms Michael Scheuerman, who serves as Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Chair of the Department of Music, Director of Bands, and Applied Clarinet Instructor.

Mr. Christy reflects on his teaching experience and what his students have taught him over the years, as he was impressed with their drive for service and had a great sense of trust with them. “They learned from me, I learned from them also. It’s a collaborative effort, and I’ve always given students lots of ownership of the program. Southeastern had great students, and once we got the chapter going it was like a shot of adrenaline. It was exponential with what we were able to do together, it made me a better person. It made me a better teacher. It enabled me to teach more.”

The scholarship will be awarded starting the spring of 2023. If you are interested in donating for David H. Christy Honorary Music Scholarship, checks can be sent to the following address with “D. Christy Scholarship” in the memo line:

Mark P. Webb Director, Alumni and Development Southeastern Oklahoma State University 425 W. University Blvd. Durant, OK 74701

Members of the Eta Nu chapter with Sponsor David Christy Angie Kemp, Eta Nu charter member, with David Christy