Emily Morse ’26 Selected as 2026 Presser Scholar at Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University is proud to announce that Emily Morse is the recipient of The Presser Foundation’s 2025–26 Undergraduate Scholar Award. The award is designed to encourage and support the education of a music student who has achieved a high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and service, and contributed to an inclusive community.

Emily is set to graduate from PLU in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a minor in French. Emily’s musical journey began in Olympia, Washington, where she learned to play the piano from her grandmother. Her musical foundation in piano, spanning from second through twelfth grade, provided the springboard for a lifelong passion for music. After joining her first choir as an elementary school student, Emily has never been without an ensemble, eventually pursuing lessons throughout high school to solidify her path toward a career in vocal performance.

Emily’s connection to PLU began at a Summer Opera Workshop, where she performed in her first opera, The Magic Flute. Deeply impressed by the faculty and the collaborative environment, she chose PLU for her undergraduate studies. Under the guidance of Dr. Soon Cho, she has maintained a rigorous academic and artistic standard, earning a 3.97 GPA.

A seasoned performer, Emily has been a member of the Choir of the West for three years, appearing as the soprano soloist in Ein Deutsches Requiem. Her operatic repertoire includes lead roles such as Adina in The Elixir of Love, Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, and the Soprano in Trouble in Tahiti. She has gained professional experience with Vashon Opera, working as a stage manager and performing in the chorus for several productions. Additionally, she performs frequently as a soloist, including collaborations with PLU’s University Singers and Wind Ensemble.

During the 2025–26 academic year, Emily was named the James D. Holloway Music Scholar for her exceptional musical talent, faith, work ethic, and sense of service to others. She also placed third in the Angela Meade Vocal Competition in 2025 and secured second place in 2024.

“Emily is a gifted and dedicated young soprano who possesses strong vocal talent, intellectual curiosity, and professional maturity. She is well-rounded, versatile, and collaborative. She has actively sought out and thrived in both professional settings and intensive young artist programs, and been a fantastic leader and mentor for her peers. It is no surprise that the faculty nominated Emily for the prestigious Presser Award,” said Dr. Brian Galante, Associate Dean School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

In response to receiving this award, Emily said, “It is such an honor to not only be nominated by the PLU faculty to apply for this scholarship, but to be selected as one of the recipients. I am a strong believer that the arts are more important than ever in this day and age and I am so grateful to the Presser Foundation for aiding students in their artistic journeys!”

Following graduation, Emily plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree. She has been invited to audition at the Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, and San Francisco Conservatory. After further developing her skills in graduate school, Emily intends to pursue a career as an operatic soprano.

About The Presser Foundation:

The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the will of the late Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy. Mr. Presser taught at many undergraduate and graduate music institutions. To honor his commitment to music education, undergraduate music programs at selected colleges, universities and independent institutions of higher education are given the opportunity to present the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award, which recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of a music major in their final year of undergraduate study.

The Foundation is committed to equitable, transparent, and forward-thinking philanthropy. For more information: www.presserfoundation.org.