HUNTSVILLE, TX (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The board of regents of the Texas State University System announced the naming of Sam Houston State University's new performing arts center in honor of out-going president James Gaertner and his wife Nancy.
The concert hall seats 800. A state-of-the-art dance theater seats 160 and a separate recital hall seats 175.
The center encompasses more than 100,000 square feet, cost $38.5 million to build, and includes practice studios for theater, dance and music, faculty offices, set design and building spaces, costume design and wardroom facilities.
Gaertner officially retires August 31. He was hired in 2001 as the twelfth president in the university's 131-year history.
"I believe our new concert hall is the equal to the best in Texas. I can't wait for students and the community to experience performances here," said James Gaertner according to the press release.
The theaters will feature several performances throughout the year — by students, faculty and professionals — including a concert by the Houston Symphony Orchestra on October 29 and performances by the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, featuring repertory by Dominic Walsh and Jiri Kylian on October 29 and 30. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
