Pioneer Bank & Trust Contributes $10,000 to BHSU Music Excellence Fund

SPEARFISH, S.D. — Pioneer Bank & Trust has made a generous contribution of $10,000 to the Black Hills State University (BHSU) Music Excellence Fund, supporting enhanced educational opportunities for student musicians at BHSU.

The endowed fund strengthens the university’s commitment to providing a high-quality music education that reaches beyond the limitations of state funding. It empowers BHSU music faculty to enrich student learning through innovative instruction and expanded performance and training opportunities. Annual endowment distributions will be administered by a committee of tenured and tenure-track faculty members to ensure the greatest student impact.

The Music Excellence Fund was established by longtime BHSU supporters Sandra Addy and Rachel Headley to raise $100,000. Addy has pledged to match all contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000, encouraging individuals and the community to invest in the future of the arts. To date, $83,625 has been raised toward the goal.

“Pioneer Bank & Trust’s contribution will have a tremendous impact on our music department,” said Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement at BHSU. “We are deeply grateful to all of the donors whose generosity is helping us provide outstanding educational experiences for our students.”

Representing Pioneer Bank & Trust at the check presentation was Andrew Alonso, Personal Banker. Alonso has been increasingly active in community engagement efforts on behalf of the bank.

Pictured (left to right): Steve Meeker, Vice President for University Advancement; Sandra Addy, Music Excellence Fund donor; Dan O’Shea, Pioneer Bank & Trust; Andrew Alonso, Personal Banker, Pioneer Bank & Trust