4th annual Adrian Maxson Memorial Concert and Scholarship Fundraiser @ WSU (Ogden: Sept 10)

Concert for Adrian 4

WHO: Weber State University Department of Performing Arts
WHAT: 4th annual Adrian Maxson Memorial Concert and Scholarship Fundraiser
WHERE: Austad Auditorium, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts
WHEN: Saturday, 10 September 2011 • 7:30 pm

Weber State University Department of Performing Arts presents the Adrian Maxson Memorial Concert and Scholarship Fundraiser, directed by Mark Maxson Saturday, 10 September, at 7:30 pm in the Austad Auditorium, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts. Donations at the door are requested ($10 suggested) for the Adrian Maxson Scholarship for Social Justice, created by Mark Maxson to honor his son, Adrian.

Adrian was struck by a car and killed on April 3, 2007 after leaving a benefit concert hosted by WSU Amnesy International. Adrian was an early college student at WSU and also a student a DaVinci Academy in Ogden. He intended to find a career to enable him to improve the lives of others around the world.

This variety show has something for everyone. Events in the past have had people dancing in the aisles and this year’s concert will, too!

Featured performers:
• The Browning String Quartet with Shi-Hwa Wang, and Ann Cox, violin; Michael Palumbo, viola; and Viktor Uzur, cello. Hint: They have been heard rehearsing “Black Dog,” by Led Zeppelin.
• Fan-Ya Lin, international and national winner of many piano competitions
• Squadra Anti Mostro: (original jazz, rock, fusion, instrumental from SLC) with George Nielsen, Troy Thueson, Ed Kilbourn and Kent Rytting (http://www.viudu.com/du/Squadra_Anti_Mostro.html)
• Erik Stern, tap dancing - but don’t expect the “usual.” Erik doesn’t do “usual.”
• William Pollett, singer/songwriter and WSU English professor
• The “Core” (playing some classic rock tunes, more of a jam this time around): Mark Maxson (guitar, voice), Carrie Maxson (keys), Viktor Uzur (cello), Troy Thueson (drums), Ed Kilbourn (bass), Wim Becker (guitar)
• David Feller, multi-instrumentalist and WSU Music Professor
• Morgan Cameron, the first recipient of the Adrian Maxson Scholarship.
• and more!

Many of Adrian’s classmates, instructors at both schools and WSU employees have already donated money to the scholarship fund. Mark is continuing the fund raiser as an annual event to build the fund until accrued interest can provide for a full scholarship each year. Until then, $1000 will be awarded annually for a student who has demonstrated a committment to humanity through active community involvement locally or internationally.

Those wishing to make a contribution to this scholarship fund can also contact Carol Biddle at the WSU Development Office, 4018 University Circle, Weber State University, Ogden UT 84408-4018, 801 626 7209 or cbiddle@weber.edu

For more information about this concert, please contact Mark Maxson, 801-626 7802 or mmaxson@weber.edu

Adrian Maxson Scholarship for Social Justice Recipient

WHO: Cameron Morgan
WHAT: 1st Adrian Maxson Scholarship Recipient (2008)
WHEN: Appearing in the Concert for Adrian 4, September 10.

Richard Cameron Morgan received the first scholarship named for WSU Department of Performing Arts Computer Lab Director Mark Maxson’s son, Adrian. Morgan will be giving a short speech on the award at the Concert for Adrian 4 on Saturday, September 10, 7:30, in the Austad Auditorium, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts.

Morgan says, “The Adrian Maxson scholarship is a truly inspired initiative that was founded to support social engagement in the Ogden community and beyond. I was the first ever recipient of this nascent, but important, award two years ago. My organizing and activism, especially in regards to founding and running Weber State STAND (student anti-genocide coalition), made me an ideal candidate for the scholarship at that time. Without this award I would have been forced to work a full-time job instead of focusing on activism and graduation. Receiving the Adrian Maxson scholarship reminded me that the outside world noticed the work I was doing and were positively impacted by my actions. This realization furthered my resolve to live for service which has helped to enrich my life. By supporting this scholarship you are supporting the betterment of this state, one individual at a time.

“Since receiving the Adrian Maxson Scholarship, I have traveled to Kenya on a humanitarian trip, finished two internships in DC [Enough Project and Pal-Tech], become an Employment Case Manager at the Refugee and Immigrant Center (AAU, current) and have graduated from WSU with my Bachelors. Before leaving WSU, I continued my work with STAND and Amnesty International. Currently, I also volunteer at the English Skills Learning Center, where I teach a Bhutanese couple English. On the side, I am writing a book of poetry and am managing a local musician (and trying to learn Swahili!-though this is difficult!).”

The Adrian Maxson Scholarship for Social Justice was established to honor Adrian’s life and his activism. Adrian was struck by a car and killed on April 3, 2007 after leaving a benefit concert hosted by WSU Amnesy International. Adrian was an early college student at WSU and also a student a DaVinci Academy in Ogden. He intended to find a career to enable him to improve the lives of others around the world.

The scholarship in his name recognizes outstanding students who are engaged politically, socially and creatively in the community. Applicants submit a resume and a brief essay describing his/her qualitications for the award. For more information about the scholarship: http://organizations.weber.edu/AdrianLMaxsonScholarship/

For more information about Cameron Morgan:
request a copy of his vita from Caril Jennings, crjennings@weber.edu
Contact him directly at Mobile: 801-695-2055 ro E-mail: cameronmorgan08@gmail.com