Encouraging Others to Give: Alan and Jeanne Hall Contribute Major Gift Toward Choral Music Endowment
For Jeanne and Alan Hall, donating to USU in Craig’s honor is a fitting tribute due to his extensive contributions to the music and arts community, not only in Utah, but worldwide.
Alan and Jeanne Hall have made a major gift through the Hall Foundation to help establish the Craig D. Jessop Chair for Choral Conducting and Community Engagement at Utah State University (USU). When the endowment is fully funded, it will secure the future of choral music at USU and ensure that the next generation of choral conductors and musicians can thrive.
Jeanne first met Craig in 2003 when she auditioned for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, where Jessop served as music director. He admitted her into the choir, forming a bond that would last decades.
Jeanne’s admiration for Craig dates back to her time as a member of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2003, Jeanne auditioned for the Tabernacle Choir and was admitted by Craig (pictured with her here), who was music director at the time.
“Craig has had a lasting effect on my family, and that personal connection meant so much,” Jeanne recalled.
Jessop, founding dean of the former Caine College of the Arts and current director of the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra (AFCO) has left an indelible mark on the arts in Utah and beyond.
“Craig Jessop is a profoundly gracious human being whose influence touches everyone he meets,” Jeanne said. “His leadership and passion for music make every life he touches better.”
Alan believes in the broader impact of supporting the arts, as he realizes how much it enhances quality of life.
“The talents shared by artists make our lives richer and more enjoyable,” Alan said. “Investing in the arts is crucial for a vibrant society, as they make our lives more abundant. Beautiful talents shared by people make life more satisfying and enjoyable. Arts create a fabulous society that is entertained by those wonderful skills.”
For Jeanne and Alan, both alumni of Weber State University, donating to USU in Craig’s honor is a fitting tribute due to his extensive contributions to the music and arts community, not only in Utah, but worldwide.
“Craig is an incredible showman,” Jeanne said. “He dances and moves all over the podium when he conducts. He would invite the choir to dance with him, but he always added, ‘let me lead.’ His energy and passion are contagious, and his ability to connect with both performers and audiences is unparalleled.”
The endowment will secure the future of choral music at USU by ensuring that the university attracts an established, highly respected choral conductor to lead the program. The Craig D. Jessop Chair will serve as the Director of Graduate Studies in Choral Conducting and the Music Director for the AFCO. This dual role will enhance the university’s visibility in the community and provide a learning laboratory for graduate students as conductors and singers.
“It gives us joy to honor individuals like Craig,” Alan said of the endowment. “His legacy will continue to inspire and elevate the arts community. Honoring his work for years to come is a noble endeavor, and we are eager to see his name continue on.”
Encouraging Others to Give
The Halls hope their donation inspires others to give, no matter the size. The endowment has a $3 million goal to secure the future of choral music at USU.
“One of the focuses of the Hall Foundation is on education,” Alan explained. “We clearly see the value of it. We love to see people become educated in whatever field they choose to pursue. Education generates wonderful things for the economy and society. People who are educated understand the way the world works, are well-rounded and make society more fulfilling. They add to society in a generous and positive way.”
Jeanne emphasized Alan’s sentiment and the importance of giving back, particularly in the field of music education.
“We hope the next generation of music students will share their talents with us,” Jeanne said. “In some cases, they will be teachers, teaching young people how to paint, dance and perform. The ability to not only perform but also teach is an important way to add value and pay back for the support they received.”
A Legacy of Generosity
Founded in 2001, the Hall Foundation has contributed over $20 million to 170 charitable entities worldwide, focusing on arts, economic growth, education and humanitarian aid. Their foundation aims to educate a million people worldwide on entrepreneurship and sales fundamentals, moving individuals and families from poverty to self-reliance. In addition to the College of Arts and Sciences, the Halls have also given to many other areas at Utah State University.
Alan and Jeanne, longtime Weber County residents and Weber State alumni, have been married 56 years. They both earned psychology degrees in 1969 and later completed master’s degrees at BYU. They have six married children, 23 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Their contributions to higher education and the arts are a testament to their belief in the power of education and the importance of giving back to the community.
A Lasting Impact
The Craig D. Jessop Chair for Choral Conducting and Community Engagement will have a lasting impact on USU and the broader community. In addition to fully funding and sustaining the position itself, once the endowment is established, it will also provide resources for travel opportunities, commission new musical compositions and arrangements, bring in guest artists, and support other activities that enrich the experiences of students and the broader community. Graduates of the program will gain the experience and skills needed to be competitive in top doctoral programs in choral conducting and begin their professional careers.
Alan and Jeanne’s generous donation not only honors Craig Jessop’s legacy, but also helps ensure that USU’s choral music program will continue to grow and positively impact the community for years to come. Their commitment to education and the arts exemplifies the power of philanthropy to transform lives and communities.
Endowed chairs, professorships and faculty program support allow Utah State to compete in recruiting and retaining top academic talent who elevate our programs to national prominence, as well as reward and retain rising stars among its colleges’ faculty.
Create Your Aggie Impact by helping the College of Arts and Sciences reach its $3 million goal to fully fund the Craig D. Jessop Chair for Choral Conducting and Community Engagement Endowment.