Donor Stories
Michael McGuire
Michael McGuire, professor of music and coordinator of the music therapy program at EMU, appreciates the value of a higher education. To help others attain this valued experience, he has arranged to fund an endowed scholarship in music therapy, his life's work. The Michael G. McGuire Music Therapy Endowed Scholarship will help support upper-level music-therapy students with academic merit and musical proficiency.
McGuire was one of the original founders of and donors to the Stonewall Endowed Scholarship, which helps promote a positive gay/lesbian environment on campus. EMU's music and dance students also benefit from his substantial, annual donations to departmental events.
Music therapy is the specialized use of music by credentialed professionals to develop individualized treatment and interventions for clients with social, communication, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs. McGuire has been coordinator of EMU's program since 1983 and has become a widely recognized leader in his field while developing professional, yet caring, relationships with his students.
Under his direction, EMU's music therapy program became one of only 67 in the country to receive full accreditation by the American Music Therapy Association. Approximately 95 percent of EMU music therapy graduates pass their board-certification exam, compared to the 75 percent national pass rate.
McGuire is active in state, regional, and national music-therapy organizations. He currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Certification Board for Music Therapists. He has also served as a member and chair of the national ethics and standards committees.
Recently, McGuire was honored by the American Music-Therapy Association-Great Lakes Region-for outstanding professional contributions and is a valued member of EMU's Heritage Society.
