Cleveland Institute of Music Receives $3.5 million Gift

Given by Edward Addicott and Stephen Ban, the donation is the second-largest gift in the school's 102-year history

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) recently received a substantial donation of $3.5 million in support of its mission. Given by Edward Addicott and Stephen Ban, the gift is in memory of Addicott’s wife and Ban’s mother, Gay Cull Addicott.

The gift is the second-largest of its kind that CIM has received over the century that it has been operating, and takes Gay and Ed Addicott’s total lifetime giving to CIM up to $4 million.

The President of Sterling Manufacturing Co., Gay Cull Addicott was a fierce advocate for classical music. She was an honorary life member of The Cleveland Orchestra, and served on CIM’s board from 2000 until her death in 2022.

The first Addicott Scholarship has been given to Nathan Shepherd, a bassoonist hailing from Lanesville, IN, who is now studying with CIM faculty Barrick Stees.

"My mother had a profound love for classical music and for the students and mission of the Cleveland Institute of Music," said Ban, who is a CIM Trustee.

"Our family is excited to continue to support CIM’s commitment to empowering the world’s most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential," he continued. "I am honored to have joined CIM’s Board of Trustees to help advance and perpetuate the focus of this institution that is such an important part of the fabric of Cleveland and its extraordinary arts community."

"My dream of attending a conservatory often seemed out of reach," said Nathan Shepherd. "However, the Addicott family’s generosity has completely shifted my view. Because of their scholarship, I am able to pursue my musical studies to their fullest."