Immaculata University junior Erin Gouak is the recipient of the 2021-2022 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award.

A Dresher native, Gouak is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She will be awarded a $4,000 scholarship fund to be used at her discretion for academic enrichment and musical performance advancement.

“This prestigious award is given to a student who continuously shows remarkable academic and musical leadership and accomplishment. It gives me great pleasure to recognize exceptional students like Erin Gouak,” said Joseph Gehring, chair of Immaculata’s Music Department. “Her hard work, determination, and talent as both a student and an acoustic/electric bass musician make her worthy of receiving this honorable award.”

Gouak is an active member of the Immaculata Music Department, serving as junior class representative for the Music Council. She also performs in the Immaculata Chorale where she serves as treasurer. She has performed in String Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, campus liturgies, and numerous community theater performances. In her spare time, Gouak is involved in campus ministry, residence life, and is president of the Music Education Club.

“This award will help me financially during my senior year,” said Gouak. “I feel as though my hard work and dedication within the music department are beginning to pay off.”

The Presser Foundation was created in 1939 under the Deeds of Trust and Will of the late Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the U.S. dedicated solely to music philanthropy and music education. The award is given to an exceptional student musician who exemplifies high academic and musical accomplishment and leadership.