Madge Fortune Chicoine Fine Arts Endowment

Eligibility: All
Area of Interest: Visual ArtsMusicSpeech/Theatre

Criteria:

Recipients shall be seeking a major or an endorsement in the fine arts including art, music or theatre.

Madge was born in Rushville in 1924. She attended elementary school and high school in Rushville and played clarinet in the band and had roles in school plays. She married Charles Fortune in 1943. Madge and Charles had three children and all of them were active in music throughout their elementary and high school careers. Charles passed away in 1980 and in 1997 Madge married Vernon Chicoine. He passed away in 2003. Madge passed away in 2012 at the age of 88 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs. Vern and Madge's home built in 1997, became the residence of the President of Chadron State College in 2009. Madge was a lifelong resident of the Nebraska panhandle, having businesses and living in the communities of Rushville, Hemingford, Hay Springs, as well as living in Gordon and Chadron. Madge's most notable professional experience was her 25 year tenure as the Activities and Social Services Director at Pioneer Manor in Hay Springs, where she returned as a resident until her death. Madge was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She experienced great joy in her interactions with others and especially enjoyed time with her family and friends. She and her husband Vern were loyal and enthusiastic in their support of Chadron State College, and attended many sporting events, concerts, and plays during their years together. All three of Madge's children attended Chadron State College, and two of them are graduates. The endowment was established by Madge and her family in support of deserving students who wish to major in a fine arts field.