Dr. Trelles Glenn Case Piano Performance Scholarship Endowment Established at The University of Southern Mississippi
Thu, 12/11/2025 - 01:47pm | By: Dr. Mike Lopinto
Dr. Trelles Glenn Case
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Music proudly announces the establishment of the Dr. Trelles Glenn Case Piano Performance Scholarship Endowment, honoring the life legacy and musical achievements of Dr. Trelles Glenn Case.
Made possible through the vision and generosity of Dr. George P. Grill—Case’s lifelong friend, professional collaborator and business partner—the scholarship will begin supporting junior or senior piano performance majors who hold a minimum 3.0 GPA in Fall 2026.
A native of Magnolia, Miss., Case developed a passion for piano during his teenage years under the instruction of Grace L. Leggett. He graduated from Magnolia High School and served as pianist/organist for several local churches, an early demonstration of the dedication to music and community that would define his life.
From Magnolia High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Piano from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1953, supported by Rotary and Sanders scholarships—an act of generosity that he never forgot and that deeply informed his later dedication to an arts education.
Across a distinguished academic career, Case taught at Andrew College, Tusculum College, Chowan University, High Point University and Elon University. He served as a respected organist and choir director in multiple North Carolina churches, and for 25 years, he owned and directed Arts and Basics for Children (ABC), an innovative Greensboro-based preschool that placed the arts at the center of early childhood education.
Widely admired for his leadership, he was active in the Euterpe Music Club, the English-Speaking Union, Pi Kappa Lambda and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He received the Euterpe Award of Merit in 2002. He passed away in 2023.
Throughout his distinguished musical career in several states, Case remained deeply connected to his hometown of Magnolia, carrying its influence with him throughout his life. The School of Music is honored to celebrate his enduring legacy through this scholarship endowment.
“We are profoundly grateful for Dr. Grill’s generous gift, which honors not only Dr. Case’s remarkable life but also the transformative power of an arts education,” said Dr. Colin McKenzie, director of the School of Music. “Dr. Case’s story reminds us that nurturing talent, especially through acts of benevolence, changes the trajectory of lives. We hope others will be inspired to follow his example and invest in the students who will carry the arts forward.”
The Dr. Trelles Glenn Case Piano Scholarship Endowment affirms the School of Music’s commitment to excellence while celebrating a legacy rooted in mentorship, service, friendship and a lifelong belief in the cultural and human value of the arts.
Students interested in applying for the scholarship may contact the Office of Financial Aid by phone at 601.266.4774 or email.
Click here if interested in making a gift to support the Dr. Trelles Glenn Case Piano Performance Scholarship Endowment.
About the USM Foundation
Founded in 1959, the USM Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the university community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarships and other academic needs at Southern Miss. For more information on supporting The University of Southern Mississippi, click here or call 601.266.5210.