Classic Hall to be Dedicated at Homecoming

Filed under CMU News on Friday, October 12, 2012.

Choirs will sing and bands will play as the newly renovated Classic Hall on the south end of Central Methodist University's Fayette campus is joyously dedicated as part of Homecoming Festivities on Saturday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m., following the parade.

All Centralites, current and past, Fayette residents and friends are invited to celebrate the rebirth of this building that anchors the town-end of the Campus.

Classic is once again a true Renaissance beauty, worthy of an artist's brush. The exterior has been restored to its original appearance and the building is surrounded by green grass and newly planted trees and shrubbery. The front of the building has a series of three circular sitting areas that soften the square edges of the facade.

Inside, the ground floor of Classic encompasses The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art with three galleries and the curator's office and storage areas. There is also a classroom on this level.

The second level provides another classroom, faculty offices, the Conservatory library, and a number of individual and small group practice rooms. A lounge area for students and faculty overlooks the front lawn of the building.

The top level, in addition to more office space, is filled with two enormous practice rooms dedicated for band and choir use and fully capable of handling the growing number of CMU musicians.

The building has geothermal heating and cooling and highly sophisticated acoustical treatments. It functions as a modern and green building while still looking the part of the history it represents.

The Dedication Ceremony

President Marianne E. Inman, whose vision led the way for the Classic Renaissance Campaign, will highlight the dedication by addressing the crowd and cutting the ribbon.

Additional speakers will include Dr. Tad Perry '65, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees; Janet Jacobs '77, member of the Board of Trustees; Rev. Lucas Endicott, CMU chaplain and senior minister of Linn Memorial UMC and Saint Paul UMC; CMU Alumni Association president Judith Rethwisch '65, and senior Kristen Bailey, president of the Student Government Association.

As new residents of Classic, the Chorale will sing and the CMU Marching Band will play. After the program of dedication is complete, the building will be open to the public. Guides will be posted to answer questions and assist visitors.

The new Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art will remain open until 4:30 for visitors, and will have a reception on Sunday afternoon when the Gallery will be open 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Lunch will be available for purchase Saturday on the area in front of Howard-Payne Hall from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The cost is $7.50 for adults, $3 for ages 6-10.

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