International student awarded Ohio music scholarship

Last month, The Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Foundation notified Levi Muriuki that he was the recipient of the $1,000 Agnes Fowler Collegiate Scholarship.

The junior music major was nominated by his mentor, associate professor of music Michael Benson, and the scholarship will help the international student with tuition.

Muriuki is far from home: seven thousand, seven hundred, and twenty-four miles, give or take a few.

Yet, the Kenyan has found a place of belonging at Malone University.

“I’ve really enjoyed the fact that Malone is a supportive community,” he said. “I’ve made friends with students and professors and have gained a lot, intellectually and socially. I also like the fact that Malone is focused on Christ’s Kingdom and therefore I have grown spiritually.”

A pianist, Muriuki said that music brings him great joy.

“Music is the ultimate satisfaction. I have always grown around music-making environments, particularly my musical family,” he said. “Music is also medicine to me. Whenever I'm feeling bored, lonely or tired, I always find solace in music. It makes me happy!”

Muriuki learned of Malone through Dr. Benson, whom he met via Skype.

“At the time, I was taking online piano lessons with Mr. Andrew Pham (University of Oregon). He was teaching with Dr. Benson at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp. After that session, we continued our correspondence and he encouraged me to look into Malone,” Muriuki said. “He was very supportive in terms of communication since I was thousands of miles away from Malone. He has always been my advocate and a huge supporter of mine, both as a teacher and as a mentor. I have learned the power of faith and belief from him and I pray that I can help someone in the same way he has helped me.”

Muriuki hopes to eventually earn a doctorate in music and teach at a university.

And someday, he intends to contribute to music education in Kenya, whether as a teacher or a donor.