{"id":667692,"date":"2025-09-22T13:00:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T17:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/?p=667692"},"modified":"2026-01-14T08:52:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T13:52:32","slug":"joan-jeff-beal-historic-gift-eastman-school-of-music-667692","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/joan-jeff-beal-historic-gift-eastman-school-of-music-667692\/","title":{"rendered":"Alumni Joan and Jeff Beal make record gift to the University\u2019s Eastman School of Music"},"content":{"rendered":"

The multimillion-dollar gift will expand Eastman\u2019s Beal Institute by providing critical support for space, technology, programs, and students.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Joan
Joan and Jeff Beal (provided photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Vocalist, music and education champion, and University Trustee Joan Beal \u201984E<\/a> and Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal \u201985E<\/a> have made a historic, multimillion-dollar gift to the Eastman School of Music<\/a> at the University of Rochester<\/a>. The gift\u2014made by the alumni as part of For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester<\/em><\/a>\u2014supports the intersection of music, technology, and education. It is also the largest individual gift made to the school since George Eastman established it in 1921.<\/p>\n

The couple\u2019s transformative generosity builds on the success of Eastman\u2019s Beal Institute for Film Composition and Contemporary Media<\/a>, established during the University\u2019s last comprehensive campaign, The Meliora Challenge<\/em>. The Beals\u2019 newest gift marks a major expansion of the institute and will provide critical funds for facilities, technology and innovation, new undergraduate and graduate programs, and scholarships that support student success across the school. Ultimately, it will build new opportunities to equip graduates for 21st-century careers in music.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are incredibly thankful to Joan and Jeff Beal for everything they have done in support of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester,\u201d says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. \u201cThis latest gift is another example of the many ways that they support the next generation of Eastman musicians. Their philanthropy will have a lasting impact. The Beals exemplify our Meliora mission\u2014making the world \u2018ever better\u2019 every day. We are proud to count Joan and Jeff Beal as Rochester alumni and dear friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are deeply grateful to Joan and Jeff for their vision, partnership, and dedication to music, to Eastman, and to the University overall,\u201d says Kate Sheeran, the Joan and Martin Messinger Dean of the Eastman School. \u201cAs artists, they are models for us all\u2014innovating, evolving, and forging pathways for new generations. Their gift is truly consequential, shaping our school in profound ways, strengthening our mission, and affirming the vital role music plays in advancing knowledge, innovation, and human connection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJeff and I are who we are today largely because of the education, mentorship, and opportunities we received at Eastman,\u201d says Joan Beal, cochair of the University\u2019s For Ever Better<\/em> campaign committee. \u201cStaying connected with the school and the University has only deepened our appreciation for that experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adds Jeff Beal, \u201cThis gift is really about giving back\u2014making sure the next generation of musicians, innovators, and creators have the support and opportunities they need to grow and succeed in the ever-evolving technological and cultural landscape of music.\u201d<\/p>\n

In alignment with the University\u2019s Boundless Possibility<\/em> strategic plan<\/a> and its campaign priorities, the Beals\u2019 gift will provide immediate support for the following:<\/p>\n