Ron Miles Endowed Scholarship

Purpose:
The Fund is established to provide scholarships to students in the University’s Department of Music Jazz and American Improvised music program.

Ron Miles was a legendary jazz performer and recording artist, who taught at MSU Denver for over 30 years. He developed the Jazz and American Improvised music program and was a beloved pedagogue who dedicated his career to developing and supporting students. Miles was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1963 and moved to Denver with his family in 1974, the year he started playing music at age 11. He attended Denver East High School and released his debut album “Distance for Safety” in 1987. Miles went on to record 11 more albums, including the critically acclaimed “I Am a Man” in 2017 and “Rainbow Sign,” his 2020 debut on the iconic Blue Note record label. This scholarship continues Miles’s legacy as a teacher and advocate for all students.

Criteria:

• Be meeting the University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and cannot be in default or owe any refund/repayment of federal, state or institutional aid.
• Have financial need as determined by FAFSA/CASFA and the University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Be an undergraduate Music major in the Jazz and American Improvised music program
• Be enrolled at least half-time (6+ credit hours) during the semester the scholarship is received
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

Preference is for students from historically underserved, underrepresented, or other marginalized groups.
Preference is for a student who graduated from Denver East High School
Scholarship is open to DACA/Asset students
Scholarship is not renewable