BRYAN AND EVELYN BRODERSEN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

These Scholarships are offered annually to deserving students in the College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences in the Departments of Theater & Dance and Music in memory of Charles and Loleete Brodersen, Bryan’s parents.

Charles and Loleete came from a harsh and very poor background in southern Oklahoma. Despite their difficult upbringing, Loleete and Charles had an appreciation for higher education and the opportunities that it could afford. They also valued and embodied characteristics and principles that were hard to measure such as integrity, discipline, and a good work ethic. Loleete and Charles loved free-enterprising, entrepreneurial people who seized opportunities afforded them by the American Dream.

Loleete never had the chance to experience the arts as a young person growing up in rural Oklahoma. Her father left when she was very young resulting in her being adopted by her grandmother, who had twelve children of her own. However, she did enjoy living with her adopted family and even learned to play the piano from her aunt. She may have come from a very harsh and poor background, but she treasured what theatre, dance, and music could do for a person’s character.

The depression hit and pushed many people’s artistic pursuits to the back burner. The depression changed people. Music was one of the few forms of entertainment. People would gather around and listen to each other sing or play an instrument.

Loleete was so thrilled to spend her later years in Washington D.C. where she continually visited the wonderful museums, art galleries, musical performances, plays, and Vaudeville. She was truly in her element when she played the piano or painted at her easel.

Charles graduated with a law degree in 1929 and was known for his integrity and ethics. Throughout his career, Charles prided himself on his attention to detail, a quality that served well in his profession. Charles and Loleete were such class people. They never complained about anything. They knew how lucky they were. Loleete thought a sense of culture and a feeling of personal accomplishment were missing from many people’s lives. She always admonished her children to never forget how fortunate they were to live in a country where they were free to challenge themselves.

Provided by: Bryan Brodersen