As concertmistress for the Thomas Edison High School orchestra, it was senior Gretchen Gaither’s duty to make sure everyone was in tune. Her bow would touch her violin’s “A” string, and others would match her pitch, preparing to make music. Since 1979, a gift in Gretchen’s memory assures that other young musicians can bring themselves up to the mark, as well.

Gretchen was headed toward a promising musical career. Before attending The University of Tulsa for one year, the Lawton native not only played for her high school in Tulsa, but also participated in the highly regarded Tulsa Youth Symphony, which selects from the area’s best teenaged musicians, who are nurtured and trained by national-caliber conductors.

Gretchen had elected to transfer to Green River College in Seattle, Washington, but just as her sophomore year there began, she was killed in an automobile accident. She left behind her parents, Doug and Dorothy “Dovie” Gaither, and two sisters, Sarah Elizabeth and Jennifer Leigh. To pay tribute to their daughter, the following year Doug and Dovie funded the Gretchen Ninon Gaither Memorial Scholarship for Music at The University of Tulsa. This namesake scholarship fund supports undergraduate music majors who participate in TU’s symphonic orchestra, string chamber orchestra or chamber music group. Recipients are known as Gretchen Gaither Scholars.

This heartfelt gift continues to benefit young people like Gretchen, and through it, her love of music endures. The University of Tulsa, the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences, and the scholars who benefit from the Gretchen Ninon Gaither Memorial Scholarship continue to appreciate this philanthropic gesture made in memory of a talented young musician.