Like so many Javelina Alumni, sometimes all it takes is one professor with a steadfast belief in you. Flute Professor Dr. Elizabeth Janzen was that person for Isla Coronado ’24.
Coronado was named the first Presser Scholar from Texas A&M University-Kingsville last spring, after earning a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music, with concentrations in both performance and education.
The Presser Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholar Program is unique in that it is awarded to music students in their final year of study.
Presser Scholars are exemplary students, nominated by their music faculty, who have performed musically and academically at a high level, set themselves apart through leadership and service, and added cultural value to their communities.
While the program is not currently accepting new music programs, Texas A&M University-Kingsville was one of the 37 institutions added to the Undergraduate Scholar Award program during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Dr. Elizabeth Janzen, Associate Chair of the School of Music, was quoted in a blog post from the Presser Foundation on January, 7, 2025, “Isla served as President of both Sigma Alpha Iota and the TAMUK Flute Society, bringing to those organizations an impeccable sense of responsibility, dedication and creativity. Under her stewardship, the TAMUK Flute Society recovered from two difficult pandemic years; Isla played an important role in reorganizing the society’s fundraising efforts, motivating and engaging members, and re-launching their annual Flute Day. Her leadership has helped contribute to a renewed sense of community in the society, and has set a high standard of excellence (musically and academically) and commitment for her peers.”
Coronado became one of about 200 students across the country to receive a monetary award from the Presser Foundation, funding the next steps of her higher education journey.
Isla is currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. While earning a master’s degree in flute performance from the Mead Witter School of Music, she hopes to further cultural representation in her discipline.
Thanks to the dedication of faculty like Dr. Janzen, and students like Isla Coronado who persist, forging their own path, the example she set for young Latina flutists will surely stand for generations.