Southern Utah University hosted their grand opening of the new George S. And Dolores Doré Eccles Music Center. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Sept. 24 as part of SUU’s homecoming celebration.
Michael T. Schmidt, Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, gave the opening speech. He recognized the Eccles and Leavitt families among other donors for their contributions to southern Utah and to the university.
Shauna Mendini, former provost and dean, spoke on the history of Cedar City and performing arts. She recognized the tree just outside of the new music center as being the oldest and biggest of its species in southern Utah. Other speakers included Lisa Eccles, members of the architecture and construction companies and SUU President Mindy Benson.
“What a glorious sight to finally be gathered here to celebrate the opening of this incredible space that is going to change the lives of our students and our community in so many different ways,” said Benson. “I thought of the reflection of generations of the people that will be inspired by this building, and I am touched by how that will change lives.”
Benson, along with the donors and members of the Department of Performing and Visual Arts, cut the ceremonial red ribbon. After the ribbon cutting, those in attendance entered the building on self-guided tours. The building features a new concert hall, recording studio, percussion room and instrument ensemble room. The new building measures at 51,250 square feet.
Kenzie Porter, the SUU Student Body President, said she’s excited for the new building.
“We are a part of history right now, I am getting chills just thinking about it. This is an opportunity for our students to learn and grow in such a new way that they didn’t have before, we’ve never had a concert hall that was dedicated to music on campus.”
For more information on the George S. And Dolores Doré Eccles Music Center click here.
Author: Talmage Fairbanks
Photos: Corben Allen
Editor: Hannah Clove
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