Performing Arts Center
Rehearsal Room Named After Arts Dean
New musical theatre
rehearsal room to honor dean behind the development of new
Performing Arts Center.
December 15, 2005
by Gail Matsunaga
To honor a favorite teacher who has been the
driving force for the construction of the new Performing
Arts Center, an arts alumna — who wishes to remain
anonymous — initiated
a fund-raising effort for the newly named Jerry Samuelson
Musical Theatre Rehearsal Room in the new Performing Arts
Center.
Almost 78 gifts, totaling more than $108,000
have been raised so far, coming from members of the Art Alliance,
Music Associates and Titan alumni. Spearheading the campaign are Maxine Allen,
president of the Art Alliance, and Music Associates Joyce
Leong and Katie Thorsen.
“The opportunity to be involved
in the naming of the Jerry Samuelson Musical Theatre Rehearsal
Room has brought great joy to all of us who recognize Jerry’s
vision, creativity and hard work,” says Thorsen, wife
of emeritus professor of music David O. Thorsen. “The
Performing Arts Center will be a reminder of the large contribution
he has made to the College of the Arts and the university.”
‘The Performing Arts Center
will be a reminder of the large contribution he has made
to the College of the Arts and the university.’
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Samuelson has served the campus community for more than
four decades in several capacities, including that of charter
director of the Main Art Gallery, chair of the Art Department
from 1967 to 1975 and dean of the College of the Arts since
1975.
He also served as a member of the CSU
Arts Advisory Council to the Chancellor in 1984 and as
an adviser to the chancellor from 1985 to 1988. A founding
board member of Orange County’s
Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Samelson has overseen the birth
of the Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana, as well as
the new Performing Arts Center.
The gala grand opening for
the new Performing Arts Center kicks off on Friday, Jan.
13, with an 11 a.m. dedication followed by a concert featuring
alumna Deborah Voigt on Saturday and additional performances
Sunday. For more information, go to www.fullerton.edu/Dateline.
Donations
are still being accepted for this “tribute
gift.” For more information or to give, contact Milly
Heaton of University Advancement at 278-7695.
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