Page 83 - UB Church and Shen Univ
P. 83
Volume 6 Relation of U.B/EUB Virginia Conferences to Shenandoah University Dec. 26, 2013
staff, students, and trustees participated in the travel experiences, many new bonds of friendship were
created while most students travelled out of the United States for the first time. The University had
funding for the first several years from external sources, but the administration and Board of Trustees
felt that the success of the program was so great in enriching educational growth that it was funded
yearly from operating dollars. Dr. Fitzsimmons, then VPAA, is credited with the basic concepts for the
program and participated annually as a member of one of the travel groups.
Campus Newspaper. An important tool of communication for the campus became the SUN
Newspaper, a campus-based weekly paper that was guided and directed by Kathy Kuehner, a former
newspaper reporter. Kathy worked with students to develop the paper into an award-winning
publication, but, more importantly, it became the information piece that keep everyone updated on
rapidly changing programs, events, and developments at the University. The paper could be read
electronically or in print, and circulation was extensive to alumni, parents, and the campus community.
Ohrstrom/Bryant Theatre and Ruebush Hall Complex. The expansion of enrollment and
programs in the 1990s provided the financial depth for the University to consider another bond issue for
facilities. After years of unsuccessful attempts to raise funds for a new fine arts facility, the
administration and Board of Trustees agreed to build a new 100,000-sq.ft. building to house more than
half of the Conservatory programs. Early estimates put the building cost at $35 million and everyone
knew that would not be possible. After many painful sessions setting priorities and downsizing the
facility, agreement was reached with Shockey and Sons and Byron Black, architect with Weihe
Associates in Washington, D.C., to construct a less expensive building. It did not have as many unique
architectural features as earlier presented, but was designed with as much functional space as could be
obtained for the budget. The centerpiece of the building was to be a Music Theatre for teaching and
performance with seating for 650 persons and the related stagecraft, scene shop, costume shop, green
room, and dressing rooms. Also, a fully equipped black box theatre that seated 200 persons, 50 studios
for faculty, 50 practice rooms for students, a recording studio, two large rehearsal halls for choral music,
offices for the Conservatory administration, and several classrooms completed the plan for the facility.
The building was completed on time at a cost of $17 million, and the facility immediately gave a major
boost to the Conservatory programs.
Other Facilities and Programs. However, the older condition of Armstrong Hall and the space
needs for the instrumental music program became a new priority. Several new gifts enabled the stage
area in Armstrong Hall to be renovated and new lighting and seating to be installed, but the need for a
larger concert stage, studios, and practice rooms for instrumental music remained a high priority.
Conservatory enrollment grew to more than 750 students, and again the enrollment was limited by space
needs and faculty cost considerations. The community arts program fully utilized the John Kerr
Building in downtown Winchester and enrolled more than 1,700 children and adults who sought
enrichment in the fine arts.
The Community Arts program, later renamed the Conservatory Arts Academy, served the need
for enrichment in the arts for children of faculty and staff at the University. Dr. Charlotte Collins, Tom
and Nancy Albert, and Janet Davis, wife of the president, worked to create a string program for children
that grew into a full arts offering and eventually occupied the entire John Kerr School Building, once
Nursing moved to the new Health Professions Building. The Community Arts program grew to offer
employment to more than 100 part-time teachers who enriched public school music programs and
provided cultural enrichment for the community.
Davis on History of S.C., 1982-2008 73
staff, students, and trustees participated in the travel experiences, many new bonds of friendship were
created while most students travelled out of the United States for the first time. The University had
funding for the first several years from external sources, but the administration and Board of Trustees
felt that the success of the program was so great in enriching educational growth that it was funded
yearly from operating dollars. Dr. Fitzsimmons, then VPAA, is credited with the basic concepts for the
program and participated annually as a member of one of the travel groups.
Campus Newspaper. An important tool of communication for the campus became the SUN
Newspaper, a campus-based weekly paper that was guided and directed by Kathy Kuehner, a former
newspaper reporter. Kathy worked with students to develop the paper into an award-winning
publication, but, more importantly, it became the information piece that keep everyone updated on
rapidly changing programs, events, and developments at the University. The paper could be read
electronically or in print, and circulation was extensive to alumni, parents, and the campus community.
Ohrstrom/Bryant Theatre and Ruebush Hall Complex. The expansion of enrollment and
programs in the 1990s provided the financial depth for the University to consider another bond issue for
facilities. After years of unsuccessful attempts to raise funds for a new fine arts facility, the
administration and Board of Trustees agreed to build a new 100,000-sq.ft. building to house more than
half of the Conservatory programs. Early estimates put the building cost at $35 million and everyone
knew that would not be possible. After many painful sessions setting priorities and downsizing the
facility, agreement was reached with Shockey and Sons and Byron Black, architect with Weihe
Associates in Washington, D.C., to construct a less expensive building. It did not have as many unique
architectural features as earlier presented, but was designed with as much functional space as could be
obtained for the budget. The centerpiece of the building was to be a Music Theatre for teaching and
performance with seating for 650 persons and the related stagecraft, scene shop, costume shop, green
room, and dressing rooms. Also, a fully equipped black box theatre that seated 200 persons, 50 studios
for faculty, 50 practice rooms for students, a recording studio, two large rehearsal halls for choral music,
offices for the Conservatory administration, and several classrooms completed the plan for the facility.
The building was completed on time at a cost of $17 million, and the facility immediately gave a major
boost to the Conservatory programs.
Other Facilities and Programs. However, the older condition of Armstrong Hall and the space
needs for the instrumental music program became a new priority. Several new gifts enabled the stage
area in Armstrong Hall to be renovated and new lighting and seating to be installed, but the need for a
larger concert stage, studios, and practice rooms for instrumental music remained a high priority.
Conservatory enrollment grew to more than 750 students, and again the enrollment was limited by space
needs and faculty cost considerations. The community arts program fully utilized the John Kerr
Building in downtown Winchester and enrolled more than 1,700 children and adults who sought
enrichment in the fine arts.
The Community Arts program, later renamed the Conservatory Arts Academy, served the need
for enrichment in the arts for children of faculty and staff at the University. Dr. Charlotte Collins, Tom
and Nancy Albert, and Janet Davis, wife of the president, worked to create a string program for children
that grew into a full arts offering and eventually occupied the entire John Kerr School Building, once
Nursing moved to the new Health Professions Building. The Community Arts program grew to offer
employment to more than 100 part-time teachers who enriched public school music programs and
provided cultural enrichment for the community.
Davis on History of S.C., 1982-2008 73
