Addicott family completes historic $3.5 million scholarship endowment contribution

Edward Addicott and Stephen Ban announced today the completion of a $3.5 million commitment to the Cleveland Institute of Music's endowed scholarship campaign, the second largest gift to the school in its 103-year history from an individual donor and the single largest contribution received as part of CIM‘s Second Century Campaign.

The gift honors the wishes of Addicott’s wife and Ban’s mother, late CIM Trustee Gay Cull Addicott.

“My mother had a profound love for classical music and for the students and mission of the Cleveland Institute of Music,” said Ban, a CIM Trustee.

“Our family is excited to continue to support CIM’s commitment to empowering the world’s most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential. I am honored to have joined CIM’s Board of Trustees to help advance and perpetuate the focus of this institution that is such an important part of the fabric of Cleveland and its extraordinary arts community."

With this gift, Gay and Ed Addicott’s lifetime giving and support of CIM students stands at a remarkable $4 million.

Mrs. Addicott was president of Sterling Manufacturing Co., Inc., an enterprise founded by her late husband, Robert Cull. As a civic leader, she served as a member of the school board in Northbrook, Illinois; a member of the Shaker Heights City Council; president of the Cleveland Restoration Society (where she was a Lifetime Trustee); executive director of the Women’s City Club of Cleveland; and trustee of Hiram College.

Mrs. Addicott was an honorary life trustee of The Cleveland Orchestra, and served on CIM’s board from 2000 until her death in 2022.

The Edward and Gay Cull Addicott Presidential Scholarship was given in memory of Gay’s late husband, Robert Cull, and in honor of her husband Edward Addicott, both of whom shared Gay’s love of classical music. With this gift, Gay’s legacy will empower future generations of CIM students to launch their own careers.

Nathan Shepherd, a first-year bassoon student from Lanesville, IN, received the first Addicott Scholarship to study with Barrick Stees at CIM.

“My dream of attending a conservatory often seemed out of reach,” Shepherd said. “However, the Addicott family’s generosity has completely shifted my view. Because of their scholarship, I am able to pursue my musical studies to their fullest.”