Art of Giving A Time for Giving Raymond N. Plank, Yale College Class of ’44, firmly believed that “the capacity of the individual is infinite.” Plank, a decorated World War II pilot who, along with two friends, formed the Apache Corporation and built it into one of the world’s leading independent oil and gas companies, died in 2018. In 1981, he established the Ucross
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01 The Ucross Foundation ranch in Clearmont, WY.
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Foundation as part of the Raymond N. Plank Philanthropy Fund, and in 1983, created the foundation’s artist residency program at a 20,000-acre working cattle ranch in northeast 01 Wyoming. Thanks to a $700,000 endowment from the Raymond N. Plank Philanthropy Fund, Yale School of Drama and Yale School of Music communities will be able to explore their own infinite capacities. The gift includes scholarships as well as
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“The Raymond N. Plank Scholarship represents an extraordinary investment in lowering financial barriers to training." opportunities for artist residencies at Ucross for students and faculty members. “Providing access to the School for the most talented and diverse theatermakers is our highest priority,” said James Bundy ’95 (Dean). “The Raymond N. Plank Scholarship represents an extraordinary investment in lowering financial barriers to training. We are honored to be the recipient of this visionary gift and also to inaugurate the Raymond Plank Residency, which offers YSD students and faculty time to develop their creative work at Ucross.” Known for its majestic setting in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, the easternmost range of the Rockies, Ucross has become one of the country’s preeminent artist residency programs. Since its inception, the foundation has welcomed nearly 2,500 writers, visual artists, and composers from around the world, generously offering uninterrupted time to work, studio space, living accommodations, a travel stipend, and the inspirational camaraderie of an intimate group of fellow creators.
