Gift from Robert and Judi Newman Benefits Music Students

Starting in Fall 2021, graduate students at the Lamont School of Music will have a special opportunity thanks to the generosity of Robert and Judi Newman, longtime friends of the University of Denver.

The Newmans, whose involvement with the University spans decades, recently made a gift to Lamont that funds a two-year fellowship for master of music students in performance or conducting. Combined with a tuition waiver, this award will cover students’ full cost of attendance. The fellowship also provides encouragement for more highly qualified students to apply to Lamont, strengthening the school’s recruiting efforts. The Newmans first started the Newman Graduate Fellowship in 2011 to support Lamont students. 

The Newmans’ generosity to the Lamont School of Music will continue to have a lasting effect on Lamont’s students and its program. It is the latest gift in the Newmans’ extensive history of philanthropy toward DU, a history with lasting impact both now, in the past, and for many years into the future.

Since 2002, the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts has been the home to the Lamont School of Music, Newman Center Presents and the Theatre Department, providing exquisite spaces for faculty and students to hone their craft and greatly strengthen the community of the arts in Denver. Acclaimed as one of the nation’s finest university performing arts centers, this 180,000-square-foot building provides classroom, studio, rehearsal and concert spaces. The Newmans’ visionary generosity in establishing the Newman Center continues to have immeasurable impact on the DU and Denver communities. The Newman Center hosts nearly 500 theatre, dance, jazz, world and classical music performances each season, attracting up to 150,000 people over the course of a season. Performances feature international touring artists, local performing arts groups and the acclaimed musicians and thespians of the University of Denver.

“Speaking on behalf of the Lamont community, we are deeply grateful for Bob and Judi’s support,” Keith Ward says, director of Lamont. “This gift will have tremendous impact on our program. It will strengthen our ability to attract outstanding graduate students, whose contributions will influence the quality of our performances. I am grateful for Bob and Judi’s continuing investment in Lamont.”

The Newmans’ involvement with the University extends beyond their gifts to the performing arts, including Robert’s service as a member of the Board of Trustees for many years. He is also on the Daniels College of Business Executive Advisory Board, and he played a crucial role in ASCEND: The Campaign for the University of Denver. Additionally, Judi served as national chair for DU’s Campaign for Music and Theater.

“We are extremely gratified by the successes of our previous fellowship winners. Extending the program just makes common sense to us. Thanks to Lamont’s fine efforts in making the program attractive to students,” the Newmans say.