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Dr. J. Stephen Westly

Dorothy Westly and her family have donated a Steinway piano to North Iowa Area Community College in memory of her husband, Dr. J. Stephen Westly.

"Steve discovered classical music and the piano early in childhood and derived much joy from both listening and playing throughout his life," Dorothy Westly said.  "I'm glad we can honor that love in a way that benefits so many students who are discovering their love of music."

The NIACC Music Department will use the Steinway piano in the piano studio where 25 to 40 students per semester will take lessons on the instrument. 

Mrs. Dorothy Westly

“This is a wonderful gift to the present and future students at NIACC.  Literally hundreds of students will learn to play and appreciate fine music through learning with this wonderful instrument,” Jayson Ryner, NIACC vocal music instructor and director, said.  “It is a lovely tribute to the memory of Dr. Westly.”

Dr. Westly was a partner of Internal Medicine Associates of Mason City and later the Mason City Clinic.  The Manly native served on the staff of Mercy Hospital for 40 years continuing the tradition of Westly doctors working at the hospital since it was established in 1915. 

Dorothy Westly has been an active member of the community having served on many state and local boards.  The piano will now rejoin the catalog of Dr. Westly's sheet music which she donated to the College in 2006.  

“I have known Dr. and Mrs. Westly all my life. Dr. Westly was a wonderful and caring physician, fabulous father and exemplary human being, and Dorothy is and has been a gracious intelligent and caring individual. Both Dr. and Mrs. Westly have been terrific role models, champions of the arts and leaders in our community.  We were fortunate that they chose to live here in Mason City and have enriched us all with their presence. This gift to the NIACC Foundation to benefit students at NIACC is another example of their love for music.  Their support of NIACC is greatly appreciated by all of us and provides a wonderful legacy for Dr. Westly,” Jamie T. Zanios, NIACC Foundation director, said.

For more information on the NIACC Music Department, please visit www.niacc.edu/music.  For more information on the NIACC Foundation and the many ways you can make a difference in the lives of students, please call 641-422-4386 or toll-free 1-888-GO NIACC, ext. 4386 or visit www.niacc.edu/foundation.

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