Samford University’s School of the Arts has received a generous planned gift from former faculty member and longtime friend of the university, Don Sanders, establishing the Donald C. Sanders Endowed Music Abroad Fund. The fund will provide lasting support for students and faculty in the Division of Music who seek to broaden their musical and cultural understanding through international travel, study and performance.
Sanders, a beloved professor who taught at Samford for decades, is remembered for his work in piano, music history, music theory and other disciplines. Known for his quiet strength, deep integrity and unwavering commitment to excellence, he shaped generations of students through both his teaching and mentorship.
While on the faculty, his impact was recognized through two of Samford’s highest faculty honors: the John H. Buchanan Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching (2004–05) and the George Macon Memorial Award (1994–95). It is uncommon for a faculty member to receive both awards, reflecting Sanders’ exceptional influence on campus.
Former students often describe Sanders as a teacher who modeled courtesy, honesty and character, calling others to rise to the same standards. Beyond the classroom, he invested generously in students through private instruction, rehearsal guidance and performance coaching. He also led transformative study tours across Europe, experiences that many alumni cite among the most meaningful of their Samford years.
Division of Music chair Joel Davis, one of Sanders’ former students, reflected on his mentor’s enduring impact.
“As an alumnus, I am grateful to be among those whom Dr. Sanders mentored during his 41+ years of faithful service to Samford University,” Davis said. “I had the privilege of touring Italy with Don on two separate occasions: first as a student, with the world as our classroom; then later as a faculty colleague co-teaching alongside my mentor in a study abroad setting.”
Davis noted that Sanders’ influence extended far beyond musical instruction.
“Over the course of his long and influential career, and even into his retirement, Don has modeled excellence in pedagogy, artistry, mentorship, scholarship, humility, faithfulness, generosity and servant leadership,” he said. “He inspired countless students to cultivate an abiding appreciation for music and the arts, for history and culture, and for the life of the mind and the life of faith.”
Regardless of students’ eventual career paths, Davis added, Sanders left a permanent mark.
“I have no doubt that his students—whether they pursued vocations in music, education, ministry or elsewhere—left his classroom, both here on campus and abroad, with an enduring sense of joy from the wondrous beauty of the musical masterpieces he shared. He inspired all of us to hear music and to see the world anew, with open ears and open hearts. It is fitting that Dr. Sanders’ most recent contribution to Samford’s programs and its people has a global emphasis: this truly is a world-class gift from a world-class educator,” Davis said.
Through his planned gift, Sanders is extending that generosity even further.
“The four courses that I taught in Italy were some of my most satisfying experiences during my years at Samford,” Sanders said. “For me, and hopefully for the students, the opportunity to study and hear music in the places where it was composed was exciting and enlightening. I hope that all future Samford students will be able to take advantage of the multiple opportunities for international study that the university offers.”
The endowed fund will support music majors who may not otherwise have the financial means to participate in study abroad or international performance opportunities. It will also assist faculty members pursuing scholarship, teaching or artistic work abroad. Funding will be awarded at the recommendation of the dean of the School of the Arts, in coordination with the chair of the Division of Music and in consultation with Enrollment Management.
“Don devoted his career to shaping musicians who pursue excellence with humility, curiosity and conviction,” said Lance Beaumont, dean of School of the Arts. “This fund ensures that his influence will continue for generations, providing our students and faculty with opportunities to experience the transformative power of music across cultures. We are deeply grateful for his generosity and extraordinary legacy.”
This new endowment aligns with Samford’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global influence, a core initiative of the university’s strategic plan, Fidelitas: Faith and Future. By increasing access to international learning, the fund supports Samford’s mission to cultivate excellence, curiosity and meaningful exploration.
As the university stewards this gift, it does so with gratitude for Sanders’ extraordinary contributions—and with a renewed commitment to fostering the same spirit of integrity, artistry and faith that defined his career.
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