HERB AND JAN CONN CREATE SARA N. DIPITY II SCHOLARSHIP TO ASSIST BHSU MUSIC MAJORS

Climbing and caving pioneers, Herb and Jan Conn, have left Black Hills State University $351,000 to establish the Sara N. Dipity II Scholarship. The scholarship is for students majoring in music. 

Herb and Jan were cave explorers. In the 1960s and 1970s, they discovered and mapped over 60 miles of Jewel Cave in the Black Hills, making it the third longest cave system in the world. They are also credited with classic climbs in Maryland, West Virginia, and New Hampshire.  

Although the Conns grew up on the East Coast, they made their home in Custer. They discovered the Black Hills in 1947 while traveling to Devils Tower. The Conns both lived into their 90s, with Herb passing away in 2012 at the age of 91, and Jan passing away in May 2023. 

Jan was also a musician and an artist. She composed many songs and melodies and was proudest of her musical accomplishments. She taught and mentored numerous musicians in the Black Hills and was a founding member of the French Creek Folks: a musical group based out of Custer. The French Creek Folks have played for various functions over the years and continue to play today. Jan carried a flute wherever she went, and she rarely let a moment go by where she did not create or play music. 

“We could not thank the Conns enough,” said BHSU Vice President of University Advancement Steve Meeker. “Music scholarships are much needed at BHSU, and many musicians will benefit in the future from Herb and Jan’s generosity.” 

It takes a minimum investment of $25,000 to establish an endowment that will remain in perpetuity at BHSU. For more information on how to establish or add to an existing fund, contact Steve Meeker at Steve.Meeker@BHSU.edu or call (605) 642-6385.