Our June Voices of Impact session welcomed Lawrence Leviton for a memorable conversation about music, philanthropy, and the enduring impact of community investment.
As a musician, educator, and the final board member of the Copernicus Cultural Foundation, Lawrence brought both historical perspective and personal insight to the discussion. Through stories spanning decades, he shared how a passion for music inspired one local family’s vision and how that vision continues to create opportunities for people across Portage County today.
A Legacy Rooted in Generosity
The Copernicus Cultural Foundation was established by Edmund and Kathryn Bukolt with a mission to support cultural arts and educational opportunities in Central Wisconsin. Inspired by Edmund Bukolt’s lifelong love of music and his collection of rare instruments, the Foundation became a source of scholarships, educational support, and cultural enrichment for generations of students and community members.
Throughout its history, the Foundation invested in opportunities that helped make music and the arts more accessible. Scholarships supported students pursuing their educational goals, while grants and gifts strengthened programs throughout the region. The Foundation’s work reflected a simple but powerful belief: access to music can change lives.
During the session, Lawrence shared stories of students whose educational journeys were made possible through Foundation support, as well as reflections from young musicians who found inspiration, confidence, and purpose through music. Whether in Central Wisconsin or beyond, these stories illustrated how a single opportunity can create lasting impact.
The Power of Music
One of the central themes of the conversation was the unique role music plays in building connection and community.
Drawing from his own experiences as a cellist, professor, and performer, Lawrence described how music can inspire curiosity, strengthen confidence, and create moments that stay with people for a lifetime. He reflected on formative musical experiences from his childhood and the profound influence educators and mentors had on his own path.
He also shared stories demonstrating music’s ability to transcend circumstances and bring hope to people facing significant challenges. Through scholarship recipients, educational programs, and community performances, music becomes more than an art form. It becomes a way to connect, learn, and belong.
As Lawrence noted throughout the discussion, meaningful musical experiences often begin with access. Whether that means having an instrument to play, attending a concert, participating in a school program, or learning from a dedicated teacher, those opportunities can shape a person’s future in ways that extend far beyond music itself.
Continuing the Mission
While the Copernicus Cultural Foundation has officially concluded its work, its mission continues through the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin.
Thanks to a generous legacy gift from the Foundation, the Community Foundation is proud to launch the first annual Copernicus Foundation Music Grant Program. Created to honor the vision of Edmund and Kathryn Bukolt, the grant program will support projects that enhance and expand music opportunities for Portage County residents.
In its inaugural year, the program will award $40,000 in grant funding to nonprofit and charitable organizations working to strengthen music education, performance opportunities, community engagement, and access to the arts.
Applications open July 1 and will remain available through August 31. Organizations with ideas that support, sustain, or expand music opportunities throughout Portage County are encouraged to apply.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation came to a close, one message stood above the rest: legacies are not measured only by what is created during a lifetime, but by the opportunities that continue long after.
The Copernicus Cultural Foundation’s story is one of thoughtful stewardship, generosity, and a belief in the power of music to enrich lives. Through the new Copernicus Foundation Music Grant Program, that legacy will continue supporting students, organizations, and community members for years to come.
We are grateful to Lawrence Leviton for sharing his stories, insight, and passion during this month’s Voices of Impact session. His reflections reminded us that when communities invest in the arts, they invest in connection, creativity, and the future.
If you missed the session, we invite you to watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel and learn more about the Copernicus Foundation Music Grant Program.
We hope you’ll join us for a future Voices of Impact event as we continue highlighting the people, organizations, and initiatives strengthening Central Wisconsin. Our next guest is from Guns N’ Hoses on July 13, 2026! During this session, attendees will learn how the Guns N’ Hoses Fund supports and honors Portage County veterans through community events, grants for veteran-focused programs, and the construction and maintenance of memorials that recognize the service and sacrifice of local veterans. Representatives will also share the impact of the fund’s work and how it continues to strengthen and support our community. Please RSVP here.