In Remembrance
Geneva Stegner Eschweile
1926 – 2019
Note from the Executive Director: We wish to pass along the news that our dear friend and ACDA-MN colleague Geneva Eschweiler passed away on February 5, 2019. In absence of an official posted obituary, we offer this ACDA tribute in loving memory of Geneva that was written upon her receiving the F. Melius Christiansen Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990.
Geneva was instrumental in helping to establish the annual Summer Dialogue program first scheduled in the summer of 1985 at St. John’s University. With great dedication of spirit, zealous love, and personal financial support, she helped establish the F. Melius Christiansen Endowment Fund in 1996, served as a member of the FMC Endowment Fund Committee, and continued with that annual support throughout the many years. Her contributions to the FMC Endowment Fund specifically helped to establish the scholarship program that (to this day) supports young and emerging educators to attend Summer Dialogue.
Geneva Eschweiler graduated from St. Olaf College magna cum laude and continued her studies at Columbia University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Massachusetts and the University of Colorado. In 1968 she earned a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from Moorhead State.
After teaching at many levels in the Fergus Falls Public Schools she joined the staff of Fergus Falls Community College in 1963. Her FFCC choral groups have earned a fine reputation for excellence. They have performed at festivals, clinics, ACDA conventions, and MENC & MMEA events. For 17 years Eschweiler served as music director for the Fergus Falls Summer community Theater. In all, she completed 43 years of musical service to the Fergus Falls and Midwest area.
Eschweiler is noted for the Geneva Eschweiler Singers, the FFCC Madrigal Singers, the FFCC Concert Choir, and the Fergus Falls Area Chorale which performs with orchestra. In addition she is a noted voice teacher. A member of NATS she has coached first place winners in high school, lower college, and graduate divisions in solo competitions.
Eschweiler has served as northwest district chair and also as secretary of the state board of ACDA of Minnesota. She was also chair of the Community College Repertoire & Standards committee for the North Central Division of ACDA.