Bequest from Russell Behanan ’71 ’72 Will Help Fund Scholarship for University Gospel Ensemble

Russell Behanan ’71 ’72, a retired educator who was one of the original members of the University Ensemble/Gospel Ensemble, is making a bequest in his will to endow a scholarship for ensemble singers and other EKU students.

“Coming from a very poor background, I learned to appreciate and be humble yet value opportunities that evolved from higher education,” Russell says in explaining his gift. “I want to share in leaving a real meaningful legacy for the University Gospel Ensemble.”

Russell and other choir alumni have already donated cash to the University Ensemble Endowed Scholarship, which they hope will be offering scholarships within the next few years. The new scholarship will give first preference to active members of the ensemble but can be for any EKU students with a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need or are members of underserved populations.

The choir, known both as the University Ensemble and the Gospel Ensemble, was founded by students Reginald Walters and Paul Eric Abercrombie in 1967 and served as a worship vehicle for students during a turbulent time in history. It also became a recruiting tool for the university, touring throughout the South and Midwest.

The late Dr. William Berge was the choir’s first faculty advisor, and choir alumni have long supported a scholarship in his name. Choir alumni performed the national anthem at the 2015 Homecoming football game — and after an absence of several years, the choir was reestablished in 2017 and performed as part of the ensemble’s 50-year Golden Jubilee Celebration.

Russell has coordinated the alumni activities of the choir. While at EKU he also helped establish the university’s first predominantly Black fraternity. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from EKU and became a public school teacher and administrator, rising to the level of assistant superintendent. He currently lives in Parker, Arizona.

“It feels really good to be able to establish a fund that will be ongoing and will serve students over a significant period of time,” he says. “I am grateful to EKU for preparing me for a wonderful career of sharing and giving on behalf of students.”