Bronwyn Eliese Paladin, a senior music performance major from Potsdam, New York, was recently named Lee University’s 2026 Presser Undergraduate Scholar. She was recognized for this honor during the Masterworks concert in April.
 
“Bronwyn has been an exemplary student for four years and is a great example of all the qualities of a Presser Scholar,” said Dr. Randy Sheeks, dean of the School of Music. “We in the School of Music are all very proud of her.”
 
The Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award is presented annually to outstanding music students at select accredited institutions across the United States, recognizing excellence in performance, scholarship, and leadership.
 
During her time at Lee, Paladin was a LEAP Scholar, received the School of Music Department Award, earned recognition in the Concerto and Aria Competition, and was named to the Dean’s List. She is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society and has been involved in Ladies of Lee, Lee University Chorale, and Opera Theatre. She has served as a teaching assistant for music history courses, a tutor in theory and aural skills, and a student worker in the School of Music dean’s office. She has also volunteered with Lee’s Honor Choir and the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “A Night to Shine,” and has worked as a voice and piano teacher and dance instructor.
 
“It is quite overwhelming to be given this distinction,” said Paladin. “I am incredibly grateful and give all glory and praise to the Lord, who has shown himself to be so faithful to me throughout my entire Lee journey. I recognize that I certainly would not be where I am without the amazing faculty in the School of Music who have stretched me, cared for me, and continually encouraged me. It is not an exaggeration to say that many of them have changed my life. When I look at my certificate, I am reminded of all those who have poured into me in such impactful ways. Receiving this award is much more than an academic achievement.”  
 
After graduation, Paladin will continue her education at Lee, pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting.
 
Lee University has presented the Presser Award on behalf of the Presser Foundation each year since 2000.
 
The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the will of Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy. Mr. Presser taught at many undergraduate and graduate music institutions. To honor his commitment to music education, undergraduate music programs at selected colleges, universities, and independent institutions of higher education are given the opportunity to present the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award, which recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of a music major in their final year of undergraduate study.
 
The Foundation is committed to equitable, transparent, and forward-thinking philanthropy. 
 
For more information on the Presser Foundation, visit presserfoundation.org/.