Denison Dedicates Bryant on Many Levels

Back to State of the Arts: The Bryant Arts Center at Denison University

October 16, 2009

Following the inspirational and entertaining keynote address by Sir Ken Robinson in Herrick Hall, scores of students, faculty, alumni, trustees and community members made the short walk downhill to the new Bryant Arts Center for the building's dedication ceremonies. As people entered and gathered on multiple landings of the central atrium to witness the dedication, music students were playing a mix of folk and Bluegrass tunes on the ground floor, and dance students were performing modern techniques on an upper level.

The program opened with Board Chair Tom Hoaglin '71 welcoming and thanking those who had gathered for the event. He also spoke to the auspicious nature of day, given the importance, both symbolic and real, of creating the Bryant Arts Center at this time in Denison's history. Hoaglin then introduced University President Dale Knobel who thanked the many benefactors of the project to restore Cleveland Hall to be become the Bryan Arts Center. By way of introduction, Knobel concluded by offering special words of thanks and praise to alumnus Donald Bryant Jr. '64, the building's lead donor and namesake.

In speaking to an attentive audience, the emotional Don Bryant recalled his time at Denison with much affection, noting that his personal relationship with the late Lionel Crocker, a speech professor, was particularly edifying and transformative. Bryant said that giving back to Denison in this way is a entirely natural gesture, considering the immeasurable benefits derived from his experience as a Denison student nearly 50 years prior. His heartfelt message clearly was a high point for those gathered for the occasion.

Next, Studio Art Professor Ron Abram publicly thanked Bryant and others, restating his observation that Don Bryant was the perfect donor for this project, based on his accomplished background as an art collector, his continuing service to a number of important art institutions, and his demonstrated passion for the visual arts. Abram also described the ways in which various spaces within Bryant Arts Center were already being utilized for teaching and learning about art, highlighting new opportunities for student-faculty collaboration. In addition, he spoke to the advantages of cross-disciplinary scholarship opportunities that the new building will encourage and enhance.

The final speaker for the event was alumnus Jack Beyer '54, the principal architect of the Bryant Arts Center restoration. Representing himself and his firm, Beyer Blinder Belle of New York, he had high praise not only for Don Bryant, but also for the other architectural and construction firms that were partners in the project. He also congratulated Denison for the insight to envision this project and the dedication to see it through to completion. In his remarks, Beyer was explicitly complimentary of the college's commitment to the high standards of LEED Silver certification.

Hoaglin returned to the lectern to conclude the proceedings and invite the audience to stay and wander about the building, and to connect with the art students who were present to discuss their studies and their use of the new Bryant Arts Center. And most of those in attendance did just that.

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