Walter J. Duerksen and Virginia Duerksen Bauman Memorial Music Scholarship

In October of 1980 Walter J. Duerksen passed away. The Walter J. Duerksen Scholarship was established in his memory. Later, in July, 1996, his widow, Virginia Duerksen Bauman, who had remarried, passed away. The family asked that the scholarship be renamed and any other contributions received in memory of Mrs. Bauman be added to it.

Dean emeritus of the College of Fine Arts, Walter J. Duerksen graduated from the University of Wichita in 1931 with a degree in music education. A prominent figure in the field of music, he developed a music program at WSU that has achieved international recognition. He also assisted in the planning and implementing of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra.

Virginia Duerksen Bauman graduated from the University of Wichita in 1936 with a degree in general studies. She was very involved with the university as a member of the Mortar Board, WSU Spirit Squad and Senior Honor Women.