The Heart of Music

For more than thirty years, Professor Peter Wordelman has brought heart to EOU’s Music Department. His gentle presence, expressive conducting, and unwavering belief in every student has shaped far more than musicians. In his rehearsal room, students have discovered courage they didn’t know they had, built friendships, and found a place where their voices—literal and figurative—mattered. His influence doesn’t end when a concert is over; it lives on in the confidence, compassion, and artistry his students carry into every chapter of their lives. 

To honor this extraordinary legacy, 1961 EOU alum Gary D. Pierson and Lynn W. Duncan established the Peter Wordelman Music Scholarship with a generous donation to the EOU Foundation. Their gift, born of deep gratitude for the way Wordelman has shaped countless lives, is an investment not only in students but also in the strength of communities and the ongoing vibrancy of EOU itself.
“Peter fosters an atmosphere where kids want to succeed,” Gary said. “He gets the most out of the kids; they want to do things for him.”

Beginning in the 2027–28 academic year, the scholarship will support full-time music majors who show dedication and passion for their craft. By easing the financial weight students often carry, it will allow them to devote more time to rehearsals, performances, and the demanding work of becoming artists.

“It was kind of embarrassing when they suggested using my name,” Peter smiled. “It’s very honoring; I think the right word is ‘humbling’.”

For many students, scholarships are not simply assistance; they are the difference between standing on stage or watching from the sidelines. Support like scholarships removes obstacles, opening space for students to create, to lead, and to share the power of music with communities across the region.

“The more Foundation Scholarships we have, the better,” Peter noted. “School is only getting more expensive.”

This gift ensures that Wordelman’s spirit—his humor, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to student growth—remains woven into EOU’s story. Even future students who may never have the privilege of meeting him will feel the impact of his legacy.

“Music changes people,” Peter often says. “When students feel connected, supported, and challenged, they become the best version of themselves.”

Through this gift, Pierson and Duncan help future Mountaineers rise to that best version—lifting their voices, shaping their lives, and carrying forward a legacy built on heart, hope, and harmony.