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Family, friends and Blue Banders contribute to endow Bundy Scholarship

O. Richard Bundy conducts the Blue Band at Tailgreat, held at the Bryce Jordan Center before the start of the Penn State football game vs. University of Central Florida, Sept. 14, 2013. Bundy announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2015. Credit: Annemarie Mountz / Penn StateCreative Commons

When Dick Bundy joined family, friends and current and former Blue Band members at the Blue Band Building the morning of Oct. 11, he thought they were celebrating the official naming of the facility in his honor. And that would have been enough for the now-retired Blue Band director, who made an immeasurable impact on hundreds of students during his long career. But there was another surprise in store -- when Dick’s son, Rich Bundy, took over the podium, he announced that the Dr. O. Richard Bundy Jr. Blue Band Scholarship, funded since the 2011–12 academic year with annual gifts, was now the Dr. O. Richard Bundy Jr. Endowed Scholarship, thanks to friends, family, current Blue Band members and alumni who contributed or pledged more than $84,000 over the past six months to create an endowed award.

Rich, a Penn State alumnus, and his three siblings, Jennifer Bundy Bortz, Heather Bundy Kikel and Jeffrey Bundy -- also Penn State alumni -- established the scholarship in their father’s honor in 2011. They surprised him with the news when they gathered at University Park to celebrate their father receiving the Lion’s Paw Medal that year.

At the time, Rich said he liked the idea of establishing the scholarship before his dad retired, so he could know the first recipients. The scholarship provides recognition and financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate and graduate Blue Band members with a demonstrated financial need.

“My family established this scholarship because it seemed like the perfect way to celebrate dad's commitment to higher education and support his lifelong love for the Blue Band. All of us are incredibly grateful to the many Blue Band friends whose gifts have helped to expand this scholarship in his honor,” said Rich Bundy.

With a scholarship and building named for Dick Bundy, generations of students to come will know the name that, for so many years, was practically synonymous with the Blue Band.

“My dad considers the band's role as representatives of Penn State to be a solemn responsibility. ‘May no act of ours bring shame’ was an operating principal,” said Rich Bundy. “Dad’s legacy is best captured in the many ways the band has demonstrated their commitment to that ideal over the years, and will continue to do so well into the future.”

To donate specifically to the Dr. O. Richard Bundy Jr. Blue Band Endowed Scholarship in the College of Arts and Architecture, go to GiveNow.psu.edu/carpetheheckoutofthediem

Penn State supporters are invaluable partners in fulfilling the University's land-grant mission of education, research and service. Private gifts from alumni and friends enrich the experiences of students both in and out of the classroom, expand the research and teaching capacity of our faculty, enhance the University's ability to recruit and retain top students and faculty, and help to ensure that students from every economic background have access to a Penn State education. The University's colleges and campuses are now enlisting the support of alumni and friends to advance a range of unit-specific initiatives.

Last Updated November 19, 2015