Established in 1997, The Elizabeth Wilson Foundation perpetuates the vision of its founder, Elizabeth Wilson. Since its inception, Theresa Powers has been a member of the Foundation board and in 2001, after Elizabeth’s passing, Theresa was appointed as the President/Treasurer. Theresa remembers, “We had no idea when we moved next door to Elizabeth Wilson that our lives would be changed forever. Over the years, Elizabeth became a close friend and special mentor.”
In her role as president, Theresa was determined to implement Elizabeth’s biggest dream; to see Tecumseh have a strings program in the public school system. Powers remarks, “Elizabeth’s dream of starting an orchestra program in Tecumseh very quickly became mine.” To that end, President Powers and the Foundation board worked closely with the school and a committee of dedicated community members to provide the opportunity for students' education to be enriched by string playing, and in 2003 Elizabeth’s
dream was realized.
Once the TSO (Tecumseh Schools Orchestra) was established, Theresa took that dream and expanded it to initiate a string program at another Lenawee County public school. In 2012, Madison Community Schools enrolled students into their beginning strings program. In addition to nurturing the growth of these two strings programs, under Theresa Powers’ leadership, the Foundation has granted more than 3.2 million dollars to benefit a wide variety of music and performing arts programs in Lenawee County.
At the October board of directors meeting, it was announced that after more than two decades at the helm, President Powers is stepping down from her role as President/Treasurer. She isn’t leaving the Foundation; she will remain on the board and continue to support the Foundation's mission. At the same board meeting Sheri Powers, who has served as a board member since 2007, was appointed as the new President/Treasurer effective January 1, 2024.
When commenting on her decision to step down, Theresa Powers said:
“Little did I know the day Elizabeth asked me, ‘Do you know how to start a Foundation?’ that it would change her life and mine and help so many people in our county. Now here I am 22 years later stepping down from a job that I truly love and enjoy. And it was all made possible because of her. Since my musical talents are none (I can’t even sing Happy Birthday in tune), it has been so wonderful to work with and learn from all of the wonderful music teachers and talented people in Lenawee County. One thing I did discover early on is that everyone needs a supportive audience and I quickly found out I loved being just that. What fun I’ve had! From the Adrian Symphony Children’s concerts, events at the Croswell and Tecumseh Center for the Arts, Tecumseh Pops concerts, summer concerts and movies in the park, very recently watching two TSO students perform on the new “Elizabeth Wilson Stage,” and of course hearing my beloved Canon being played annually by the Tecumseh Schools Orchestra. It has been an honor and privilege to be a small part of the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation. It’s time for me to turn this wonderful Foundation over to the next generation so they can continue to make dreams come true for Lenawee County. It is with great pride and confidence that I am turning over the President/Treasurer position to Sheri Powers. I know Sheri will bring her musical knowledge, talent, dedication and vision for the future to the Foundation and continue to do great things for Lenawee County!”
When discussing this new role, Sheri Powers states, “It is a privilege to be entrusted with this role. As President/Treasurer I will work hard to continue carrying out Elizabeth's vision and further the legacy that both Theresa and Elizabeth have established. I am thankful Theresa will continue to be a member of our board and I know I will learn from her as we make this transition. Theresa has put her heart and soul into the Foundation and has been an exemplary leader.”
The Foundation is preparing to ensure a smooth transition. Grant applicants are encouraged to check the website (www.elizabethwilsonfoundation.org) after January 1, 2024 for the updates and changes that will take place regarding application submissions and contact information.
In her role as president, Theresa was determined to implement Elizabeth’s biggest dream; to see Tecumseh have a strings program in the public school system. Powers remarks, “Elizabeth’s dream of starting an orchestra program in Tecumseh very quickly became mine.” To that end, President Powers and the Foundation board worked closely with the school and a committee of dedicated community members to provide the opportunity for students' education to be enriched by string playing, and in 2003 Elizabeth’s
dream was realized.
Once the TSO (Tecumseh Schools Orchestra) was established, Theresa took that dream and expanded it to initiate a string program at another Lenawee County public school. In 2012, Madison Community Schools enrolled students into their beginning strings program. In addition to nurturing the growth of these two strings programs, under Theresa Powers’ leadership, the Foundation has granted more than 3.2 million dollars to benefit a wide variety of music and performing arts programs in Lenawee County.
At the October board of directors meeting, it was announced that after more than two decades at the helm, President Powers is stepping down from her role as President/Treasurer. She isn’t leaving the Foundation; she will remain on the board and continue to support the Foundation's mission. At the same board meeting Sheri Powers, who has served as a board member since 2007, was appointed as the new President/Treasurer effective January 1, 2024.
When commenting on her decision to step down, Theresa Powers said:
“Little did I know the day Elizabeth asked me, ‘Do you know how to start a Foundation?’ that it would change her life and mine and help so many people in our county. Now here I am 22 years later stepping down from a job that I truly love and enjoy. And it was all made possible because of her. Since my musical talents are none (I can’t even sing Happy Birthday in tune), it has been so wonderful to work with and learn from all of the wonderful music teachers and talented people in Lenawee County. One thing I did discover early on is that everyone needs a supportive audience and I quickly found out I loved being just that. What fun I’ve had! From the Adrian Symphony Children’s concerts, events at the Croswell and Tecumseh Center for the Arts, Tecumseh Pops concerts, summer concerts and movies in the park, very recently watching two TSO students perform on the new “Elizabeth Wilson Stage,” and of course hearing my beloved Canon being played annually by the Tecumseh Schools Orchestra. It has been an honor and privilege to be a small part of the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation. It’s time for me to turn this wonderful Foundation over to the next generation so they can continue to make dreams come true for Lenawee County. It is with great pride and confidence that I am turning over the President/Treasurer position to Sheri Powers. I know Sheri will bring her musical knowledge, talent, dedication and vision for the future to the Foundation and continue to do great things for Lenawee County!”
When discussing this new role, Sheri Powers states, “It is a privilege to be entrusted with this role. As President/Treasurer I will work hard to continue carrying out Elizabeth's vision and further the legacy that both Theresa and Elizabeth have established. I am thankful Theresa will continue to be a member of our board and I know I will learn from her as we make this transition. Theresa has put her heart and soul into the Foundation and has been an exemplary leader.”
The Foundation is preparing to ensure a smooth transition. Grant applicants are encouraged to check the website (www.elizabethwilsonfoundation.org) after January 1, 2024 for the updates and changes that will take place regarding application submissions and contact information.