VPAC dedication ceremony held Feb. 26
By Ryan Campbell, News Writing Student
The dedication of the new Visual and Performing Arts Center is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Film and Video studio of the new building on the west side of campus.
Everyone is invited to join keynote speaker Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson, OCCC President Paul Sechrist, and the many other members of college staff in the celebration.
While the new Visual and Performing Arts Center has been in use since the beginning of the spring semester, the official christening of the facility will be a landmark in college history, said Pat Berryhill, executive director of Institutional Advancement.
The newest addition to the campus was built to better train students in the areas of film, music and art, she said.
The $8 million facility covers 56,000 square feet and includes classrooms, art labs and photography rooms, as well as a sound stage studio where movies and commercials can be filmed.
The college was able to add this state-of-the-art facility because of the passage of a bond issue that Oklahoma taxpayers approved in 2005, Berryhill said. This show of confidence by the voters also funded the new Health Professions Building that is currently in use at OCCC.
Berryhill said the community has given OCCC a tremendous opportunity to further improve the educational experience at the college.
“With the new building, there is finally a chance to showcase the talent at OCCC with a beautiful sound stage and lighting,” said Michelle Hanley, undeclared major.
“It’s something that will change the Communication and Arts Department forever.”
Berryhill believes the new facility will not only promote excellence in students who attend OCCC, but also will invigorate the community.
“The arts play a very vital role in the cultural and economic life of Oklahomans,” she said.
“We’re really excited to have this facility on board. It not only gives our students great art opportunities, but also the community will really benefit from this facility.”
The second phase of construction of the Visual and Performing Arts Center will consist of a 1,000-seat performing arts theater. Construction is expected to begin in 2010, Berryhill said.
An open house for the Visual and Performing Arts Center will be hosted by Women of the South at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26.
Those wanting to attend the open house are asked to RSVP by calling Berryhill at 405-6821611, ext. 7617, or e-mail pberryhill@occc.edu.
