For the Love of Art
The von Ehrenberg family’s love for the arts began well before Eric von Ehrenberg ‘64 attended USD’s College for Men as an undergraduate student. His ancestors, over many generations, were closely allied to many of the world’s most influential and prominent composers and painters of their day. Today, the family continues to be lifelong lovers and students of music and the fine arts.
While Eric is proud of his unique family history, both Aveline and Eric von Ehrenberg believe students shouldn't need a special family history to access the arts.
“When you're young is the time to be exposed to all genres of music,” says Aveline, who is the Vice President of Education at Advocates for Classical Music (AFCM), a music docent organization that has been serving as many as 15,000 San Diego County students each year since 1996.
After retiring from a career in healthcare, Aveline reflected on her relationship with arts education, remembering her own enthusiasm during undergraduate studies for courses in choreography, piano and visual arts. Her second “career” then began as a volunteer manager of AFCM’s docent program, working in tandem with the San Diego Symphony and Classics 4 Kids.
Sharing the gift of the arts
The von Ehrenbergs say it was a serious health scare that put everything at a different level of importance, including their financial trust. With strong backgrounds in the arts and a love for USD, the von Ehrenbergs felt that the College of Arts and Sciences was a natural place to select as a beneficiary of their estate. “It’s always been a part of me. I’ve always had a fond spot in my heart for the university. It’s never left me,” Eric says.
Since 1999, when the von Ehrenbergs moved to San Diego, they’ve been interwoven with the San Diego art community. Both Eric and Aveline say, “If you’re involved with USD, you’ll always see your USD family of friends in attendance.”
Building a lasting legacy
Early on, they became involved with the College of Arts and Sciences, supporting the newly created degree in music and funding concerts that would become sold out at Shiley Theatre and the Peace and Justice Center.
“We thought our first planned giving gift would be our only one; then we became more involved in the concerts, and since then, we’ve thought of new ways to enjoy how and what we give to the college.”
Since 2015, their named scholarship has provided financial assistance to undergraduate students who have declared a major in art, architecture, art history, music or theatre, and can be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board, instruments and supplies.
“In our remaining years, we want to share our love of the arts with others. We believe life is not important except for the impact it has on the lives of others. We want to make sure young adults have the financial means to learn and to enjoy life as much as we have through music or whatever art they choose.”
The von Ehrenbergs are especially fond of USD’s small groups and courses that encourage more personal interaction all while having access to world-class resources.
“It’s wonderful to be able to go up to USD and watch the students doing what they like to do, theatre arts, arts and music—they’re doing what they love.”
Visit College of Arts and Sciences Giving to learn more about the numerous opportunities for supporting students in their arts studies.