Piedmont Dedicates
by Regina Hawkins
Issue date: 10/26/09 Section: News
President W. Ray Cleere and the Piedmont Board of Trustees dedicated the Mainstage Theatre in the Swanson Center and opened the Arrendale Amphitheatre on Oct. 15. Mass communication and theatre students attended these events.
Caleb Faille, theatre major, says, "It was an honor to be a part of an event that focused on the growth of Piedmont College and its accomplishments."
The evening started with the dedication of the Mainstage Theatre, which is now named the Mainstage Theatre in Honor of W.R. Cleere.
Dr. James Mellichamp, provost of Piedmont College, opened with a welcoming speech. Thomas A. (Gus) Arrendale III, chairman of the board of trustees, spoke about Cleere and all his accomplishments here at Piedmont.
He spoke of how energetic and excited he was for the new developments at Piedmont.
The speech ended with the audience moving out into the Swanson lobby for the unveiling of Cleere's portrait. Rossin, a well-known artist, painted the portrait and was also at the event. This commissioned painting hangs in the entryway of the Mainstage Theatre.
Also a plaque was hung in the lobby in honor of the Swanson family. Mellichamp thanked the Swanson family for their continued support of the school. The Swanson family was in attendance for this event.
Mellichamp also recognized the leadership of Cleere. He spoke about Cleere's efforts in increasing student numbers and programs.
"Since President Cleere's arrival at Piedmont in 1995, the institution has grown from 826 students to more than 2,800. We've added an entirely new campus in Athens, which serves 800 students today," said Mellichamp.
After the unveiling, Chartwells catering provided finger food, cheeses and a large selection of desserts. After people had eaten, the grand opening of the Arrendale Amphitheatre took place. Arrendale stood on the stage and pushed a green button that set off fireworks.
Henry Johnson, theatre professor, is a licensed pyrotechnic. He set up and ignited the fireworks. This was a surprise for Arrendale from Piedmont College.
The evening ended with a concert by Kate Campbell, a folk singer and songwriter.
Natalie Crawford, director of marketing and audience, arranged for Campbell to perform.
Caleb Faille, theatre major, says, "It was an honor to be a part of an event that focused on the growth of Piedmont College and its accomplishments."
The evening started with the dedication of the Mainstage Theatre, which is now named the Mainstage Theatre in Honor of W.R. Cleere.
Dr. James Mellichamp, provost of Piedmont College, opened with a welcoming speech. Thomas A. (Gus) Arrendale III, chairman of the board of trustees, spoke about Cleere and all his accomplishments here at Piedmont.
He spoke of how energetic and excited he was for the new developments at Piedmont.
The speech ended with the audience moving out into the Swanson lobby for the unveiling of Cleere's portrait. Rossin, a well-known artist, painted the portrait and was also at the event. This commissioned painting hangs in the entryway of the Mainstage Theatre.
Also a plaque was hung in the lobby in honor of the Swanson family. Mellichamp thanked the Swanson family for their continued support of the school. The Swanson family was in attendance for this event.
Mellichamp also recognized the leadership of Cleere. He spoke about Cleere's efforts in increasing student numbers and programs.
"Since President Cleere's arrival at Piedmont in 1995, the institution has grown from 826 students to more than 2,800. We've added an entirely new campus in Athens, which serves 800 students today," said Mellichamp.
After the unveiling, Chartwells catering provided finger food, cheeses and a large selection of desserts. After people had eaten, the grand opening of the Arrendale Amphitheatre took place. Arrendale stood on the stage and pushed a green button that set off fireworks.
Henry Johnson, theatre professor, is a licensed pyrotechnic. He set up and ignited the fireworks. This was a surprise for Arrendale from Piedmont College.
The evening ended with a concert by Kate Campbell, a folk singer and songwriter.
Natalie Crawford, director of marketing and audience, arranged for Campbell to perform.
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