By Alex Castaneda ’83 BA
Robert and Ingrid Seddon’s first contact with the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) was in December 2011 when they came to campus for the graduation of their granddaughter, Amanda Seddon. Amanda graduated with a Master of Arts in Administration with a concentration in organizational development. Ingrid spoke with an administrator of the university that day and was very impressed with what she learned about the university.
Ingrid remembered that conversation when she became seriously ill and was making plans for her estate. She impressed upon her husband the desire to make a contribution to scholarships, perhaps at UIW. Regretfully, Ingrid passed away in 2013.
There were several institutions for Robert to consider, including the public universities his other three grandchildren attended. “UIW was the best fit because the culture of the university really resonated with my grandparents when they came to my graduation,” said Amanda.
A few months later Robert reached out to UIW to carry out Ingrid’s wishes. He then let Ingrid’s love of music be his compass in choosing the right direction for her gift.
Ingrid loved music and had a very beautiful voice. She grew up in Bremen, Germany and as a child she had several roles with the Bremen Opera Company. Later, as a teenager she formally studied voice and was about to begin an operetta career in Munich, Germany when she met Robert. Ultimately, she traded her music career for one closer to her heart; that of wife and mother. She married Robert and together they had a son and four grandchildren.
Robert chose two ways in which to honor the memory of his beloved wife and pay tribute to her love of music. His guidance of Ingrid’s gift will make a vital contribution to the future of UIW’s music program.
The establishment of The Ingrid Seddon Endowed Voice Scholarship in Music will increase the number and quality of voice majors recruited to the university. An endowed scholarship for voice majors seeking a degree in music is a first for UIW.
The Ingrid Seddon Recital Hall at UIW’s new Fine Arts Center will take its place among the finest performance venues serving the San Antonio community—a more tangible reminder of Ingrid’s passion for music. The dedication of the recital hall is expected to take place in late Summer 2014.
Robert has since become acquainted with UIW’s music program. He enjoyed sitting in on a couple of rehearsals of the Cardinal Chorale, and attended the Chorale’s Fall 2013 performance, “Music of the Incarnation,” at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word. Robert said he is “confident that he made the right choice because Ingrid’s gift will make a greater impact at UIW.”
In December 2013, Amanda returned to her alma mater to learn more about the plans for her grandmother’s gift. The Agneses hosted Amanda and Robert in their home for dinner to celebrate her grandmother’s legacy while overlooking the campus illuminated for the Christmas holiday.