OCR::/Vol_105/WLURG39_RTP_20021007/WLURG39_RTP_20021007_001.2.txt /-\r“cl‘t -f’-”l’8.’i5S (Q5552 3.‘ BY MATTHEW McDERM0rr EDIT0R IN CHIEF Construction of the proposed Wilson Center for Per- Iforming Arts has been put on indefinite hold, University administrators announced at today’s faculty meeting. The decision “has to do with the economic climate,” Provost Laurent Boetsch said. “The University needs an- other $25 million to complete the (For the Rising Genera- ition Capital) Campaign.” Boetsch and President Thomas Burish met with mem- bers of art and music departments last Thursday. “(Burish) was very descriptive and took us through WASHINGTON AND i NG-TUM ;EE UNIVERSITY VOLUME CV, N0.X MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2002 : :»\.'‘.'v~:nfll'‘ ,,,., d 4,“, -U.‘-_.“v-,,3,,!‘..é :- 4. Tire rtiillelit wire of Writ/iingloii and lie Uiiiierrih since 7897 (D Olililii at: ])lii.u/lii.eilii :Funding problems put brakes on Wilson Center Kolman said. “It was a perfect economic argument: col- leges throughout the country are feeling the pinch.” The proposed building would cost between $20 and $24 million, according to information released in July by Univer- sity Architect Tom Contos. Among other amenities, the build- ing would contain practice rooms and a performance center. Although concerned faculty members understood the economic rationale, several expressed disappointment. “I was broken—hearted,” Music Professor Barry Kolman said. “We worked on the plans for over five years. We wanted to get it right. We were ready to move in in 2005.” “We were clearly a little disappointed,” said Music Professor Timothy Gaylard, who said he felt most sorry “The students need a state-of—the art, high-quality building,” Kolman agreed. “DuPont facilities are not really adequate,” said senior theater major Neal Willetts, who claims that the Lenfest Center was not specifically built for musical performances. Fitting two departments into one build- ing has its price, he said. Johnson Theater, for instance, is off—limits during Spring Term because of senior recitals. “Lenfest has fantastic facilities for the- ater, just not music. A lot of time is lost when the auditoriums have to be converted from one to KOLMAN Further, “members of choral groups have trouble hearing each other on (Lenfest’s) stage,” Gayland said. As a consequence, he said, “Choral groups often perform at the Science Center. The acous- tics are better there.” Administrators stress, however, that ground for the Wilson Center will eventually be broken, though no firm date can be given. “It’s not a cancellation, just a delay,” Boetsch said. “The building is going to be built.” John Wilson, for whom the proposed building is named, was W&L’s 22nd president. He presided over the Fraternity Renaissance and the in- lthe decision step-by—step,” Music Professor Barry for the students. the other.” 1.‘. ,. BY ANDREW LATIMER NEWS EDIT0R ! Five-Star Generals and recent graduates alike flocked to Lexington this weekend for Washington and Lee’s Homecoming festivities. The alumni returned to a much- changed campus, especially at the construction site of the University Commons, the renovated Reid Hall and new fitness facilities. But some things never change, such as the tradi- tional crowning of the Homecoming Queen during halftime at Saturday’s football game. This year’s winner was senior Kathleen Gibson, escorted by Grant Dragan. (See pages 5-6 for pictures and moreinfonnation.) Alumni had a wide variety of activi- ties to choose from, in- cluding five sporting events, numerous open house tours and an address by Thomas Wolfe ’51. (See article be- ‘V in BRooI