Singing Quakers Endowed Fund

For a century, the Singing Quakers have been charming audiences throughout the world with their impeccable blend and inspirational message. While Fine Arts has been a significant facet of Friends University since its founding in 1898, the Singing Quakers vocal ensemble wasn’t established until the mid-1920s. Music Department Chair, Lucius Ades was the first to combine the men’s and women’s Glee Clubs for an opera tour in 1922. A year later, Roy Campbell officially combined the ensemble. Instead of singing popular tunes, the Singing Quakers performed sacred music by memory. The ensemble would perform elaborate operas, holiday shows, and Depression era fundraising concerts. They would tour the globe, being featured at the 1965 New York World’s Fair, the White House, and at Century II Concert Hall with sold out Symphony of Spring performances attended by 6000 people in 1986. The ensemble’s legacy is dynamic and enduring.

With the 100th anniversary of the Singing Quakers this year, we are eager to invite you into the celebration. You likely have experienced the camaraderie, discipline and excellence that accompanies being a Singing Quaker. You may have accrued meaningful career or life guidance from your conductors. You may have experienced a memorable tour, singing in some of the finest churches and historical venues abroad. Perhaps the ensemble gave you an outlet for creative expression or an opportunity to exercise your God-given gift. Being a part of a world-renowned vocal ensemble like the Singing Quakers is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We hope you will consider being a part of securing its legacy well into the future.

We are looking to establish the Singing Quakers Endowment Fund. With a goal to raise $1-2 Million, the endowment would be used to support student scholarships, travel costs and tour funds. Especially in a challenging economic climate, scholarships are critical to help us recruit exceptional students. Travel costs have also significantly increased in the last few years. Funds from the endowment would help ensure that student performers will get to participate in unforgettable, cross-cultural experiences abroad through choir tours. The Singing Quakers Endowment Fund would be permanent, ensuring ongoing support for generations to come. You can help us raise the curtain on the next act of the Singing Quakers legacy. Make a lasting impact on Fine Arts at Friends by contributing to the Singing Quakers Endowment today!

The Endowment is strategically managed by the Board of Trustees' Investment Committee to ensure sustainable growth and support for Friends University's long-term mission.