Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center studio complex Opening Ceremony slated for Friday

President Virginia Horvath, President Emeritus Dennis Hefner, New York State Senator Catharine Young, architect Deborah Berke and others will cut the ribbon to officially open the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center studio complex on Friday, Oct, 21, at 11 a.m. at the West Entrance of the building, opposite Steele Hall.

Remarks from several speakers, including President Horvath and President Emeritus Hefner, Senator Young, Ms. Berke, students Mark Chmiel and Nicole Miller, and others, will continue in the center’s Marvel Theatre until noon, followed by tours and the ribbon-cuttings for individual donor-named spaces from noon until 3 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the event.

The expansion project includes the addition of a two-story studio complex to the west side of the arts center, as well as major renovation of existing spaces, meeting the training and performance needs of Fredonia’s students. New spaces include the James and Marcia Merrins Dance Theatre, the Paul and Mary Joyce Schaefer Acting Studio, both on the second floor of the studio complex, and the Dennis R. and Kathryn L. Costello Community Room on the first floor. Nearly all of the arts programs are now in one unified complex, creating an exciting confluence of students, faculty and staff in the visual arts, theatre, dance and music. The new Woodcliffe Connector provides a weather-safe route from the Mason Hall complex to the backstage area of King Concert Hall.

Deborah Berke Partners of New York City is the project architect, and Northland Associates of Syracuse, the primary contractor. The groundbreaking for the project was held in May 2014.

The original I.M. Pei and Partners-designed Rockefeller Arts Center opened in 1969.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

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