David Renter's undergraduate experience at the University of Lethbridge was anything but average – he attended class, studied and wrote tests, all alongside his grandmother, the late Evelyn Beattie.
"She was certainly a part of my U of L experience – she did most of my homework," jokes David.
David grew up in Lethbridge, completed a bachelor of music degree in 1998 and went on to receive his masters and doctorate degrees in music composition in the United States, but the memory of his grandmother as a student has never been far from his mind.
Evelyn audited classes, attended student events and was a recognizable figure on campus, often at the centre of student groups, offering encouragement to her fellow classmates. She had a passion for music, and attending the U of L allowed her to fulfill a lifelong dream of studying music.
"She received a diploma from the Royal Conservatory, but in the 1930s it was much harder for a woman to pursue a career outside of the home," explains her daughter, Diane Renter.
Evelyn opted for a degree in education, but music continued to be an important part of her life. She taught private piano lessons for several years, and eventually taught elementary school, including early music education classes. Her family believes that given the opportunity, Evelyn would have taken a path similar to the one David pursued.
When Evelyn passed away, the Renter family, which includes Diane, Juergen and their three children, Brad, David and Jennifer, set to work developing a scholarship that would honour her memory and continue promoting music education, something she had obviously been passionate about.
"Music was so important to Evelyn," says Juergen Renter, her son-in-law. "It is something we continue to value as a family, and the Evelyn Beattie Memorial Music Scholarship really and truly reflects Evelyn's legacy."
For David, who is now a faculty member at the U of L, the award finishes something he started more than 10 years ago with his grandmother.
"My grandmother passed away in April of 2008, and I was hired in August of the same year," notes David. "Because I started my education here at the U of L with her and have now returned to teach, things have really come full circle."
"I was given the opportunity to continue my education and to explore my interests and I want other students to have those opportunities as well," says David. "I hope receiving this award allows someone to try something new or to follow a passion, and possibly foster some new understanding. It's something my grandmother herself would have been happy to support."
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