College President's Wife Sings for Scholarships

Connie Beverage's gift this year is to the Lakeland Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Beverage recorded an album of Christmas songs, "A Holiday Gift," and its sales help fund Lakeland Community College's academic scholarships.

Thus far, the album has raised about $13,000, Beverage said.

Beverage is the wife of Morris Beverage, the president of Lakeland.

Connie Beverage never thought about recording her voice until she sang Jim Brickman's "The Gift" at her daughter's wedding in 2004.

She sang at weddings and funerals before, friends would compliment her voice, she would smile and it would be over.

Then Kip Molenaar, the director of finance for Mentor-on-the-Lake and board member for Lakeland, mentioned recording an album to her in the receiving line at the wedding. He mentioned it again. And again.

"He was pretty persistent," Connie Beverage said. "He said, 'These are famous people singing these songs, and you do it just as well as they do.'"

After some coaxing, Connie Beverage agreed. Larry Smith, who was then director of the Lakeland Jazz Band, produced the songs and they recorded them in two nights at Suma Recording Studio in Leroy Township.

The album includes several of Beverage's family members. Her son, Morris Beverage III, and daughter, Charity Kaleal, duet with her on "The Gift" and "Silent Night," respectively.

Her husband and other daughter, Elizabeth Schick, sing on Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad."

"That's the icing," Connie Beverage said of her family's involvement. "I think family has a unique sound together. You can harmonize in a different way."

Around Christmas, people often ask her when her next album is coming, she said. Beverage has considered recording a 12-song album with a song dedicated to each month entitled "A Gift for all Seasons." However, there are no immediate plans to return to the studio.

To buy Beverage's album for $10 and benefit the Lakeland Foundation Scholarship Fund, visit conniebeverage.com.