Planned Giving: Mary Jean Thompson B.M. ’57

As soon as she began playing Beethoven’s third piano concerto at the dedication of Evans Music Center in April 1957, Mary Jean Thompson B.M. ‘57 stopped focusing on the opening scales. She was already concentrating on what would follow.

“Playing piano,” she says, “you always have to anticipate what is coming next. Your mind has to be ahead of what you are actually playing. You cannot stop and listen, even if you are playing well, or you will lose it.”

Thompson honed her self-discipline and aesthetic sensibility majoring in music and piano under renowned faculty like Boris Sirpo. “I learned how to stick with something and refine it,” she says. “You don’t quit until it’s right.”

Her creative rigor proved invaluable when she founded a firm designing hospital interiors. She upended institutional practices by creating environments that are beautiful and functional–patient-centered spaces where she tunes color, light, and materials to promote healing.

Grateful for all she gained at Lewis & Clark, Thompson has made a bequest supporting music. Her gift will help dedicated students discover and pursue their passions the way she has: con brio, with brilliance and spirit.

Adding Lewis & Clark as a beneficiary in your will or living trust is one way to carry your values forward. To learn how our planned giving program can benefit you and Lewis & Clark students, please contact us.

Lewis & Clark
0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road
Portland, Oregon 97219-7899
503-768-7911
800-753-9292
plangivg@lclark.edu
go.lclark.edu/college/planned_giving