The ribbon-cutting for the new studio complex at the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center, accompanied by African drums, brought excitement and an enthusiastic beginning to Homecoming at Fredonia.
In addition to President Virginia Horvath and President Emeritus Dennis Hefner, architect and Yale School of Architecture Dean Deborah Berke, New York State Senator Catharine Young, Fredonia College Council Chair Frank Pagano, and Jacqueline Chiarot Phelps, regional director of Congressman Tom Reed, officially “cut the ribbon,” with the program then moving to Marvel Theatre.
Following an excerpt from the upcoming Hillman Opera by Fredonia students Lucia Helgren and Jay Romero, Arts Center Director Jefferson Westwood said he thought the musical selection might have been “Singin’ in the Rain,” alluding to the slightly damp weather. Mr. Westwood offered some history, reflecting on the attendance of then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller at the arts center’s dedication 47 years ago on Oct 17, 1969, honoring his late son, Michael, lost in New Guinea. It was the first center for the performing arts in the State University of New York system.
Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts Ralph Blasting noted the construction and renovation project brings nearly all of the dance, visual arts and music programs together in the same facility, and “epitomizes the collegial spirit” already existing in the arts at Fredonia.
President Horvath, in her remarks, noted it was a “special day in Fredonia’s history,” and recognized the many people involved in planning and construction of the studio complex. She called the new complex, “more exciting, inviting and beautiful than I ever could have imagined,” which complemented the original I.M. Pei and Partners design of the arts center. President Horvath said the desire of planners was for the western door of the building, the main entrance to the studio complex, to serve as a “portal to dynamic working spaces” leading to “intellectual and creative collisions.” She added that the new facility will “give life and joy” to the campus and community in a place for the “arts to flourish.” President Horvath also acknowledged the 17 benefactors who made gifts through the Fredonia College Foundation to create endowments for programming and scholarships (full list of donors below).
New York State Senator Catharine Young reflected on her time as a student at Fredonia, remembering her friend and roommate, the late Gertrude Houston, ’80, a theatre major who went on to become an Emmy-winning producer. She recognized President Horvath for her strong leadership and President Emeritus Hefner for building a legacy of developing capital projects and facilities at Fredonia. Senator Young said she and her colleagues worked hard to deliver $44.7 million from the State of New York for the new complex, which “sets the stage for future generations of Fredonia students.” For a theatrical end to her remarks, she exclaimed, “Break a leg!”
Ms. Phelps, in giving greetings for Congressman Reed and New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, reflected on the importance of the arts at Fredonia to the community, adding, “thank you for inviting us to your home.” As a youngster, Ms. Phelps was a member of the Chautauqua Children’s Chorale, an ensemble-in-residence at Fredonia, and learned how much the university had to offer when coming to campus for rehearsals. She noted learning about professors “who have made this place home, and the students a priority in their lives.” She thanked everyone for “investing in this community.”
Ms. Berke of Deborah Berke Partners, designer of the new studio complex, thanked the army of university personnel, administrators, contractors and sub-contractors working on the project, noting it was exciting to see the building in use, and that as an architect it was “satisfying to see the building get dirty!” She added the design concept “riffed” on the work of I.M. Pei with the goals of inspiration, fulfilling the faculty in their work, and creating meaningful experiences for students.
In introducing President Emeritus Hefner, under whose leadership funding was secured for the studio complex and renovation project, President Horvath noted his “unrelenting advocacy” and always being engaged in the arts on campus. Dr. Hefner gave perspective on the master plan for campus developed 10 years ago which focused on the priorities of a new science building and arts facilities, which had “outgrown their spaces.” He felt that they had been successful in securing the funding because both projects “focused on the education of students” which was a compelling message, and that the university had had tremendous support from outside of the campus for the projects. Dr. Hefner noted it further supports the claim of Fredonia as the “SUNY premiere arts campus.”
Fredonia College Council Chair Frank Pagano, who President Horvath noted, “could not be more supportive,” noted he was “proud to be part of this university,” and acknowledged the support of the many donors and community leaders, including the Seneca Nation, in attendance at the ceremony.
Giving perspective were current students Nicole Miller from Westchester, a double major pursing a B.F.A. in Dance and B.S. in Public Relations, and Mark Chmiel from Lakeview, a B.F.A. major in Sculpture. Ms. Miller noted that the new studio complex has been “such a huge part of my journey here” at Fredonia. As a first-year student, there was one dance studio, in Dods Hall, and then she “blinked” and it was her senior year. The new dance studio and James and Marcia Merrins Dance Theatre ensures there will be no waiting in the hallway for dance space, no “warming up in the hallway” and lots of room to create choreography. Mr. Chmiel, described as the student who spends more time in the arts center than any other, noted the wide open, larger and more appropriate spaces for creating sculpture, and the “phenomenal” equipment now available in the new complex. He added it was so “important to me and future students to have people who care about artists.”
Professor Emeritus and Project Shepherd Steve Rees was introduced by Dean Blasting as someone who like a shepherd, made sure the “flock moves together, watches for wolves, watches out for lambs, and didn’t let the dogs out unless he had to.” Mr. Rees acknowledging by first name many people who worked on the project, and noted the valuable lessons he learned about construction. He added that the opening of the studio complex begins “a new era in arts education in Fredonia.”
Tours of the new studio complex were given following the dedication, and ribbon-cuttings were held for all the new named spaces honoring benefactors. Tours continue on Saturday as part of Homecoming weekend at Fredonia.
Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center naming gifts:
The following are named rooms in the Rockefeller Arts Center expansion project, followed by the benefactors:
Marvel Theatre Vestibule/Foyer
Carol, ’95, and Dr. Gordon Baird
In memory of Doris Pattie
Gordon and Carol Baird Technical Director’s Office
Carol, ’95, and Dr. Gordon Baird
In appreciation for excellent support services provided by the staff of Rockefeller Arts Center
Woodcliffe Connector (from Mason Hall to King Concert hall backstage)
Drs. Irene and James Strychalski
In memory of Woodcliffe Orchestra, Tony Strychalski, Hank Ebert, Jack Barnes, Bill Ebert and many others
Tom Castellana Scene Shop Supervisor’s Office
Stephen and Mary Rees
Gift honoring Tom Castellana’s service to the Department of Theatre and Dance - 1986 to 2006
Fredonia Beaver Club Community Rain Garden
Fredonia Beaver Club
Dennis R., ’72, and Kathryn L. Costello Plaza
Dennis, ’72, and Kathryn Costello
Dennis R.,’72, and Kathryn L. Costello Community Room
Dennis, ’72, and Kathryn Costello
Gail and Ted DeDee Administrative Offices
Ted DeDee
In recognition of Gail (Andrews) and Ted DeDee, ’71
James and Marcia Merrins Dance Theatre
James and Marcia Merrins
Harry John Brown and Paul W. Mockovak Dance Studio Lobby
Paul Mockovak, ‘77
Visual Arts and New Media Office
Dr. Daniel D. and Janet (Madej) Reiff, ’73, Nicholas A. and Michael C. Reiff
In honor of Dr. Daniel D. Reiff
Albert E. and Lillian Uprichard Lobby, King Concert Hall
Carolyn and Edward Uprichard, ‘64
Theatre and Dance Department Chair Office
Brian Usifer, ’03
In honor of Dr. John L. Cogdill
Theatre and Dance Department Office
Dr. John A., ’57, and Joan L. Glenzer, Vice President Emeritus for Finance and Personnel (retired)
Paul and Mary Joyce Schaefer Acting Studio
Family and friends of Paul and Mary Joyce Schaefer
Visual Arts and New Media Chair Office
Fredonia College Council, 2016
School of Music Office
Donald Chadbourne Mellonee, ’69, and Barbara (Benjamin) Mallonnee, ‘68
