Brian Douglas Conn Music Memorial Scholarship Established at Community Foundation 

Brian Douglas Conn never left any doubt as to the legacy he wished to leave behind him. He was a man of many passions – an avid cook and expert gardener; an animal lover with a talent for interior design. But above all, he had a passion for music.

Brian’s love for music surfaced at an early age. When he was 12-years-old, he began taking piano lessons. “We never had to encourage him to practice,” recalls his mother, Marge. “He loved it so much that he worked hard to perfect his playing.”

His passion for the piano led him to Butler University, where he majored in Piano and Composition. “I used to look at all those black notes in his composition and just shake my head in amazement,” remembers Marge. “I just knew God had given him a most special gift to share with the world.”

Brian moved to Chicago and was part of the music staff at St. James Cathedral Catholic Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois – one of the largest dioceses in the Chicago area. He continued to compose and play his own music, and his compositions were played by professional musicians from the area. He recorded four CDs of original compositions, one of which was played in concert in Parma, Italy.

In 2005, Brian passed away at the young age of 43. Even though he lived out of state, Brian continued to care about his hometown, Winamac, and his specific wish was to leave a legacy that would impact Winamac students who shared his passion for music.

“He wanted to see and help good things happen,” says his mother, “especially for a student with a great heart and passion for music who wanted to pursue their dream by continuing their education in the field of music.”

With his wish in mind, Brian’s parents established the Brian Douglas Conn Memorial Music Scholarship at the Pulaski County Community Foundation near the end of 2006. The scholarship will be awarded annually, beginning this spring, to a Winamac High School senior pursuing a degree in music.

Brian’s music touched hearts all over the country and world, and now his love for music will help aspiring musicians achieve dreams of their own. “It is a great honor and privilege for his family to assist a young man or woman in pursuing and fulfilling a dream,” his parents agree.

For more information about this or any other scholarship fund at the Community Foundation, contact Executive Director Wendy Rose at (574) 946-0906 or .