Music has been central to Patricia Glunt’s ’77 life since she first picked up a violin at age 5. A degree from University of the Pacific fueled an impactful career as an educator, professional musician and collaborator with many of the country’s most prestigious arts institutions.

Now, Glunt is ensuring future Pacific students can enjoy similar opportunities. She and her wife Ellen Kantro made a significant commitment, most of it from their estate, to create an endowment that funds professional enrichment for Conservatory of Music students.

The Glunt & Kantro Endowment in Memory of George Buckbee and Warren Van Bronkhorst honors two former professors who Glunt says catalyzed her professional success.

“I wanted our gift to spotlight somebody who played a substantial role in the development of Pacific, and particularly of the Conservatory,” Glunt said. “I felt it was important to celebrate these professors who were instrumental in the success of my career and all that led up to it.”

Glunt double majored in performance and composition. Buckbee gave her opportunities to practice conducting and encouraged her to pursue further studies at the prestigious Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland.

From Van Bronkhorst, she learned how to plan and lead. He also impressed upon her that one could be both humble and successful in the music industry.

“They  provided a great environment to explore composition, conducting and performance. Pacific gave me opportunities that I may not have had in a bigger environment,” she said.

The Glunt & Kantro Endowment will allow the Conservatory to host guest artists and encourage mentorship connections with students. The funds also could send students to music camps and conferences, offset the cost of instrument repairs and more.

“This generous gift comes as no surprise as I have gotten to know Pat over the past few years during our New York visits,” said President Christopher Callahan. “It is a perfect reflection of her deep passion for music education and her love of our Conservatory of Music. We are deeply grateful to Pat and Ellen and their support of our students, who will benefit for generations to come.”

After graduating from Pacific, Glunt spent five years in Finland and eventually arrived in New York, where she earned a master’s degree in education from CUNY-Queens College. For decades she worked simultaneously as a music educator and a professional musician. At one time she served as interim acting director of music for the city of New York, responsible for the music education of 1.3 million children.

She also was assistant principal for a large New York high school where she worked to build an art department serving up to 4,000 students.

Throughout her career, she enjoyed artistic collaborations with cultural institutions including the New York Pops, American Ballet Theater and the Metropolitan Opera. She was a teaching artist at the New York Philharmonic and produced concerts for children at Carnegie Hall.

Glunt retired in 2010 with one dream yet to fulfill. She had always longed to conduct an orchestra, but for decades, no ensemble would hire a woman. Undeterred,she founded a community orchestra of her own. The Jackson Heights Orchestra was founded in 2012, and Glunt served as its artistic director until 2023.

“If a door opens, take advantage of the opportunity. And if the door doesn’t open, make your own opportunities. Make it happen. That’s what I did, I made it happen,” she said.

At Pacific, Glunt’s gift will help future musicians overcome challenges, connect with mentors and make their dreams a reality.

“Pat built her incredible career by seeking out mentors who were active performers, scholars and entrepreneurs. Those experiences shaped her approach as a conductor and music educator,” said Conservatory of Music Dean Peter Witte. “Now, her generous gift will help current and future students expand their mentorship networks while at Pacific. We are deeply grateful.”

“I’m fortunate for the many who have helped me along the way,” Glunt replied. “I haven’t always been in a position to reciprocate, but I’m giving back now because I know it all adds up.”

To support the Conservatory of Music, contact Yvette Khan at 209.932.2978 or ykhan@pacific.edu.