LAS VEGAS – The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships for the 2008-2009 academic year to students studying music, theatre, dance, fashion design and the creative arts at 21 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Some of the scholarship recipients include UNLV, California State University at Sacramento, The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Indiana University, Eastman School of Music at University of Rochester, Bard College, Columbia University, and the University of Missouri.

Since its inception in 1976, the Liberace Foundation has awarded in excess of $5.2 million in scholarships and touched the lives of more than 2,500 students at over 120 colleges and universities. Annually, universities, colleges and arts organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the areas of music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts are encouraged to apply for a Liberace Foundation Scholarship. The student award recipients are deemed “Liberace Scholars” for the year, and are encouraged by the Liberace Foundation to capitalize on the scholarship opportunity to grow and strengthen their own amazing talents.

“We are proud to continue sharing Liberace’s generous legacy by way of these scholarships and grants that perpetuate his mission of assisting talented students to pursue careers in the performing and creative arts,” said R. Darin Hollingsworth, Liberace Foundation President. “Liberace considered his Foundation one of his greatest achievements, and this year’s Liberace Scholars are presented this opportunity to garner their own ‘Showmanship’ that Liberace so proudly shared with the world during his 47 years of performing to millions around the world.”

Liberace, born Walter Valentino Liberace in Wisconsin, was a scholarship recipient through his family’s acquaintance with renowned Polish pianist Paderewski at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Music was the heart of the Liberace family, as his Italian father played the French horn and was a member of the John Phillip Sousa Marching Band. Liberace’s Polish Mother played the piano, and his brother George and sister Angie were musically talented as well.

In his book entitled “The Things I Love,” Liberace wrote, "a lot of good things have happened to me in show business, and I want to do what I can to give others just starting out a career boost. I hope The Foundation projects will continue into the future to offer gifted newcomers financial help, and in many cases, artistic exposure as well."

Liberace’s legend lives on in the Liberace Museum, located less than 10 minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip, which he opened in 1979 to share his collections with the world and to support his love of being an active patron of the arts. The Museum will commemorate its 30^th anniversary on April 15, 2009.

The Liberace Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is supported by private donations from individuals, corporations, individual Liberace fans, fan clubs, and admirers globally. The Liberace Museum is also a significant funding source for the Foundation. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. For more information or to become a supporter of the Liberace Foundation, call (702) 798-5595 ext. 16, or visit the website at Liberace.org.

2008 Liberace Foundation Scholarship Recipients (Full List):

ABOUT THE LIBERACE FOUNDATION & MUSEUM:

Liberace transported audiences to a dazzling world of color, jovial music, glittering costumes and humor. His legend lives on in the Liberace Museum, considered to be Mr. Showmanship’s greatest encore performance. Liberace opened his Museum in 1979 to share his collections with the world and to support his love of being an active patron of the arts, and most importantly to support his mission of helping talented students pursue careers in the performing and creative arts through scholarship assistance. To date, the Liberace Foundation has awarded in excess of $5.2 million in scholarships to more than 2,500 students at over 120 colleges and universities throughout the U.S.

The Liberace Museum, located at 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. in Las Vegas, serves as a significant funding source for the Liberace Foundation. It features Liberace’s collections of rare pianos, classic cars, famous sequined and bejeweled costume wardrobe, glittering stage jewelry and rare antiques, as well as Liberace’s private papers and memorabilia. April 15, 2009 will mark the 30^th anniversary celebration of the Liberace Museum. For more information and to become a member of the Liberace Foundation, call 702.798.5595 or visit the website at www.Liberace.org.