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Kersting, a Belleville, Ill., native, graduated from �鶹Լ��’s School of Music in 1956 and went on to a distinguished career as a concert and operatic soloist. Her time at �鶹Լ�� helped launch an artistic journey that took her to the Juilliard School of Music, the New York Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall, and major opera stages across Europe.

“This extraordinary gift is a powerful statement about the lasting impact of a �鶹Լ�� education,” �鶹Լ�� President Dr. Dean Pribbenow said.

During her time at �鶹Լ��, Kersting was deeply involved in campus music and student life. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta, Sigma Alpha Iota women’s music fraternity, and Phi Kappa Phi. She sang with the a capella choir, appeared in opera productions, performed as a soloist in �鶹Լ��’s presentation of “The Messiah” in each of her four years, and studied with School of Music faculty member Hubert Norville. 

Kersting also earned early recognition for her vocal talents while still a student, including winning the voice division of a contest sponsored by the Women’s Society of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in 1955. As a senior, she received the Winifred St. Clair Minturn Music Award during �鶹Լ��’s Awards Day, now known as Honors Convocation. 

After graduating from �鶹Լ��, Kersting moved to New York City, where she was admitted to the Juilliard School of Music on scholarship. She went on to earn several major honors, including the Marian Anderson Prize, the Chicago Lyric Opera Prize, and the Titcomb Award from the Metropolitan Opera Guild. In 1960, she was named the recipient of �鶹Լ��’s Young Alumnus Award. 

Kersting’s performance career included a debut with the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. She later received a four-year contract with the Cologne Opera in Germany, where she performed major roles, including “Carmen” and “Der Rosenkavalier,” as well as several world-premiere modern operas. Her work took her to major European cultural centers, including Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Vienna.

“Helen Cox Kersting represents the very best of what the arts can make possible,” said Dr. Cameron Jackson, Dean of �鶹Լ��’s College of Fine Arts. “Her story begins with talent and opportunity at �鶹Լ�� and grows into a life of international performance, cultural engagement, and artistic generosity. This scholarship will help students in the School of Music develop their gifts in the same spirit — with discipline, imagination, and a commitment to sharing their artistry with the world. Talented young artists, regardless of circumstance, can fully realize their potential and develop their musical gifts with confidence."  

While living in Germany, Helen met and married Dr. Hans-Joachim Kersting, an engineer and businessman. Together, the Kerstings shared a passion for collecting art, travel, and cultural preservation. Helen later became known for her extensive collection of Native American art, including pottery, Katsinas, jewelry, and basketry. In 2008, she donated a significant collection of Southwestern cultural art to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. 

Following the end of her performing career, Kersting remained passionate about supporting young musicians, including assisting with and presenting concerts. Her estate gift to �鶹Լ�� reflects that lifelong commitment to music education and mentorship.

The Kersting Scholarship Fund will be designed to provide support for more than one year, helping students pursue their �鶹Լ�� education with greater financial stability. The scholarship will also strengthen �鶹Լ��’s tradition of Performance Learning, which gives students opportunities to grow through hands-on, real-world experiences in their chosen fields. 

“Helen’s legacy is not only what she achieved, but what she chose to make possible for others,” Pribbenow said. “Her generosity will live in the voices, performances, classrooms, and careers of �鶹Լ�� students who will carry her love of music forward.” 

For all who aspire to achieve, �鶹Լ�� delivers on the promise of excellence in education. �鶹Լ�� University has been dedicated to developing leaders for 125 years, preparing students for professional success, democratic citizenship in a global environment, and a personal life of meaning and value. Performance Learning sets �鶹Լ�� apart, not simply through what is learned, but through how learning is experienced. 

“We are incredibly thankful to those before us, who promoted the culture of paying it forward by giving back to �鶹Լ�� University. Scholarships impact and change students' lives. Helen Kersting intentionally created a planned gift via her estate to impact others. Her example is awe-inspiring,” Darnell said. "For years to come, students who have yet to set foot on the �鶹Լ�� campus will benefit from her enduring legacy, finding encouragement and inspiration through the opportunities provided by Helen Cox Kersting, who had a remarkable �鶹Լ�� experience, successful career, and generously paid it forward by making the largest scholarship gift to the College of Fine Arts in University history.”