The John L. Magro Story

The John L. Magro Foundation celebrates the legacy of John Magro, whose contributions to the business, civic, and philanthropic organizations in Cincinnati and abroad are legendary. The zeal and passion with which he served his community were fueled by an event, which happened when, as an eight-year old child, John was at the brink of death following a sledding accident. Overhearing a doctor tell his mother that he probably would not pull through, the young boy became determined to survive and do everything in his power to “repay the gift of borrowed time”. As the “borrowed time” went on and John matured, he grew to realize his destiny to “express (his) gratitude for the divine gift of life”. For John Magro, “giving” was a full-time occupation with much of his effort directed toward the lyric arts. Known as Cincinnati’s “Music Man”, he served as president and general manager of the Cincinnati Opera, making many recordings and managing more than 60 grand operas for the Cincinnati Summer Opera Association. Always interested in promoting young singers, in 1959, he replaced “the big names” with young performers not yet internationally known. As a co-founder of the American Opera Auditions, he started Operas at Peterloon to showcase the audition winners on the lush lawns of this beautiful estate.

For more information about John L. Magro see this New York Times Article

About Us

A foundation devoted to the memory of John L. Magro and his desire to express gratitude for his love of the arts.

The John L. Magro Foundation has been in existence since 2000. Over the years, the foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships. Dr. Victoria Magro Pfeil created the foundation to continue the lifelong work of her father. The foundation is a tax-exempt public charity organized exclusively for educational scholarships specific to the fine arts and sciences.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Helene Bentley
Penny Dinsmore
Sally Rowe Heckscher
Jenny Lamson Magro
G. Christine King Weber
Sneja Tomassian

Fundraising

Over the years the John L. Magro Foundation has donated monies to the University of Cincinnati's Opera Lucca Program, Northern Kentucky University Arts Program, and has awarded over $200,000 in student scholarships. A charitable donation may be given at any time by contacting the foundation at: The John L. Magro Foundation, P. O. Box 43032, Cincinnati, OH 45243 or by emailing us at gckingweber@gmail.com. Additionally the foundation sponsors one annual event which you may choose to attend. For an invitation please email us.

Music and Art Fills Historic Peterloon Estate for Annual Magro Foundation Event

Peterloon Estate

The John L. Magro Foundation's annual event is held each year at the Peterloon Estate in Indian Hill. Coordinated by the foundation in the historic Peterloon mansion, this event supports young people pursuing careers in art or music. The highlight of the event each year is the display of talent by the performers and the artists.

The artwork of students from the University of Cincinnati Department of Art, Architecture, and Planning (DAAP), Miami University, and Northern Kentucky University is highlighted in the library or on the grounds of the estate. The art students discuss themselves and their artwork during the early part of the evening.

The Magro Foundation board of directors is grateful for the ongoing support of the Griswold Family Foundation, Dr. Edward Lahniers, Mr. Stephen Birmingham, and the vision of Victoria Magro Pfeil.

Scholarship Program

The John L. Magro Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to provide monetary assistance to students of exceptional merit obtaining a degree in the fields of music, art, theater, or science.

➢ Please submit a completed application by March 31 to: The John L. Magro Foundation P O Box 43032 Cincinnati OH 45243

➢ Award notices along with checks will be sent by May 1 to all applicants who are chosen for a scholarship.

➢ Please note that the application form must be accompanied with the following items:
1. Proof of current enrollment in a college or university program specializing in the study of either the fine arts or sciences. A downloadable schedule of classes is acceptable.
2. Two letters of recommendations from professors, educators, or other qualified individuals in the field of fine arts or sciences indicating that the applicant possesses exceptional talent, scholastic merit, and is able to promote the advancement of either the fine arts or sciences.

➢ NOTE: THE INFORMATION SUBMITTED MUST BE COMPLETE, especially a phone number where you may be contacted, an e-mail address, and an address where mail can be sent to you. ALSO, please keep the foundation contact information below after submitting an application. This will assist you in re-applying each year.

➢ When calculating the costs of education please refer to the following information: Tuition = tuition plus non-resident surcharge, if applicable Fees = general fees plus studio fees, etc. Materials = instrument parts or repairs, music, etc. Living expenses = room and board or rent, other living expenses, health insurance Assistance = other scholarships, financial aid, parental support

➢ Final decisions regarding this scholarship are based on the following:
1. financial need,
2. worthiness,
3. serious intent of the student as to the attainment of an education in the fields of music, art, theater, science.

➢ This scholarship may be renewed, but a new application must be submitted each year. The recommendations from the professors can be waived as long as a letter from a professor, educator, or other individual is submitted stating that the student has continued his or her studies and promotion of the arts and sciences appropriately.

➢ If you would like to have the Application Form sent to you please contact: gckingweber@gmail.com

Contact Us

If you have any questions please contact:

Christine Weber	513-561-3196		gckingweber@gmail.com
Jenny Lamson Magro	513-793-4805		magro@fuse.net