The Delta State University flag will fly at half-staff today, Aug. 4, through sunset Saturday, Aug. 6, in memory of Dr. Karen Fosheim, chair of the Department of Music at Delta State.
Fosheim passed away on June 14, 2022. She was 57.
Dr. Karen Fosheim
Fosheim was born in Webster, S.D., to the late Ernest & Eunice Fosheim. Upon graduating from Webster Public Schools, she earned a Bachelor of Music at Concordia College followed by a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Arizona.
With a 27-year tenure at Delta State, Fosheim most recently served as the chair of the Music Department, where she taught Piano, Music Theory and Music in American Culture courses and served as the co-director of the Community Drumming Ensemble. She was also an active performer, appearing as a soloist and collaborative pianist around the U.S. and in Mexico. In the summer of 2001, she was selected as a performer in the Van Cliburn Institute.
Fosheim traveled to Guinea, West Africa on two occasions to study djembe, balafon and African dance with native master musicians. She also studied djembe with master drummers in the US and participated in numerous African ensembles and institutes. Fosheim was active in several organizations, serving as a presenter and adjudicator, and is a past president of the Southern Chapter of the College Music Society.
Fosheim is survived by her husband, Moussa Camara of New York; siblings, Sharon Fosheim, Leon (Bonnie) Fosheim, Clyde Fosheim, David (Barb) Fosheim, all of Webster, S.D., and Sheila (Scott) Mutschelknaus of Olathe, Kan.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster. Colleagues, students and friends are invited to view the live stream of services at Zeigel Hall, located on Delta State’s campus.
In lieu of flowers, gifts and memorials are being directed to support the Fine Arts programs in Webster, S.D, and Delta State. Donations in her memory can be sent by mail to: DSU Foundation, DSU Box 3141, Cleveland, MS, 38733, or online at https://deltastategiving.org/campaign/karen/ .
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