When audiences watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir they see 360 members singing with their hearts, souls and expertise, which is legend in the music world.  Jeanne Hall, member from 2004-2009, recalls the experience as simply a “miraculous experience.” A convert to the Church, she understood the power of the missionary role the Choir plays and its powerful influence in the lives of so many. She credits the Choir’s reach to the musicians but more so to the “genius, humility and gracious natures” of director Dr. Mack Wilberg, former director Dr. Craig Jessop, and principal Tabernacle organist Dr. Richard Elliott, the leadership of former Choir president Mac Christensen and the behind-the-scenes stage management of stage and properties manager Alex Morris.

She and her husband Alan, long-time supporters of Weber State University in Ogden, Utah—both are graduates of Weber, he is chairman of the Board of Trustees, all 14 of their children and spouses have graduated from Weber—decided to honor these five men by recently endowing yearly scholarships at Weber State in their names: Dr. Mack Wilberg Scholarship in Music Composition/Arranging; Dr. Richard Elliott Scholarship in Keyboard Studies; Dr. Craig Jessop Scholarship in Vocal/Choral Studies; Alex Morris Technical Theatre Scholarship; Mac Christensen Scholarship in Professional Sales.

The Halls stipulated that the recipients of each award must demonstrate the same traits they see embodied in each of these leaders:  “respected leadership, strong mentoring skills, professional integrity, highly ethical in all aspects of life, drive, commitment to community and artistic excellence.”  Our intent, she explained was for others to stand at the top of their individual callings in years to come as have these men.