Hugh Hodgson and Student Life

Hugh Hodgson and Student Life

Hugh Hodgson's Contribution to Student Life

Hugh Hodgson's impact in music extends to his contribution in student life. While a professor at UGA, Hugh Hodgson offered a competitive music scholarship where recipients would receive a "year's free instruction in th[e] instrument under Hugh Hodgson. The actual worth of the scholarship is about $100", which is the equivalent to about $1,100 today (Herald). Hugh made music a scholastic part of college for UGA students rather than a talent or free-time activity, and he dedicated his time to these students beyond being a professor. He also started a weekly music-appreciation hour at UGA, which "extended to institutions of the University System in Milledgeville, Valdosta and Statesboro and to Agnes Scott College in the Atlanta area" ("The University's Music"). Here, one can see that Hugh's contributions to UGA's music department impacted student life across the state. As part of his efforts with UGA's music department, in 1945 they presented "more than 40 public performances, including concerts, operas and oratorios" ("The University's Music"). Hugh expanded the significance of music for students at UGA. He also invited the National President of Sigma Alpha Iota, a Greek professional music fraternity for women, to UGA in 1939. From this, the President, Miss Evans, recommended to add a chapter to UGA, chartered as the Iota Zeta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. The chapter's first goals where "to sponsor an annual student concert, to help promote weekly Music Appreciation programs and to give receptions for visitors during Music Festival each year ("Sigma Alpha Iota"). This chapter grew to be one of the largest in the nation. Hugh grew the music department to have the same opportunities as other majors on campus, and his contribution to starting this women's organization proves his dedication to making UGA's music department a home for all music students. Overall, Hugh made UGA a home for dedicated music students to grow in their talents and education. His passion for student life can still be seen today through the music scholarships, music-appreciation hours, and Greek organizations.

Herald, Banner. “Charles Wadsworth Wins Hugh Hodgson Music Scholarship”, 10 November 1947. Hugh Hodgson Papers (1917-1983).

“The University’s Music”, 22 July 1945. Hugh Hodgson Papers, 1917.

Sigma Alpha Iota at The University of Georgia, 2018. http://sai.uga.edu/history.html. Accessed 19 November 2019.

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