Capital University receives financial support for new pep band

Capital University will be reinstating its pep band, a university tradition that had been gone from campus for more than 20 years. As announced in December 2025, the pep band will be making its return in the Fall 2026 semester and will perform at home football games, other athletic events, and campus events to help provide a sense of community. In January 2026, the university received an estate gift from alumni Don Wachtman and Carolyn Herath Wachtman that will support the reinstatement of the pep band.

According to an article on Capital University’s website about the reinstatement of the pep band, Tom Zugger, who serves as the Dean of the Conservatory of Music, was quoted as saying, “Capital’s Conservatory has a remarkable tradition of creative excellence and community impact. The launch of the Pep Band is a natural extension of that legacy, a high-energy, collaborative ensemble that supports our athletic programs while connecting students across majors and backgrounds. Music builds community, and the Pep Band will bring that joyful, collective spirit to our campus in exciting new ways.”

Students of all majors are welcome to participate in pep band, and those who are not Conservatory majors will be eligible to receive a scholarship of $500 per semester for their participation. Faculty members who have played instruments before are also welcome to participate. The goal is to create a band of 25-30 performers by the Fall 2026 semester, which is when rehearsals and performances will begin. 

The university will conduct a search for a part-time faculty director and a part-time percussion assistant beginning in early 2026.

Dr. Jared R. Tice, the president of Capital University, said of the reinstatement of the pep band, “The launch of the Capital University pep band reflects our commitment to amplifying the student experience through vibrant, high-impact, and community-building opportunities. This initiative elevates the extraordinary work of our Conservatory of Music and highlights a century-long tradition of excellence that continues to shape performers, creatives, and educators. We look forward to the pep band becoming a signature part of the CapFam experience.”

In a separate article discussing the estate gift from Don Wachtman and Carolyn Herath Wachtman that will support the pep band, Tice noted, “The Wachtman and Herath families embody the very best of Capital University – a belief in the transformative power of education, the arts, and shared experiences. Their generosity ensures that future generations of students will experience the joy, pride, and sense of belonging that music brings to our campus and our CapFam.”

Carolyn Herath Wachtman graduated from Capital University in 1960 and Don Wachtman graduated from the university the following year. Four generations of the family have graduated from the university over the years, and Carolyn and Don remained involved with the university until their deaths in 2025 and 2024, respectively. 

Don was a member of the Board of Regents/Board of Trustees and then became the philanthropic gift officer for the university. Carolyn was a music instructor and offered private tutoring to students for decades.

April Novotny, the university’s vice president for Advancement and chief development officer, said of the couple, “Their shared love of music and athletics at Capital was central to their sons’ decision to help fund the pep band.”

For more information about Capital University, visit the school’s website.