Unveiling Briley Recital Hall Transformation and Dedication of Performance Space Celebrated with Piano Duet Concert
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The Dedication & Celebration
project which has been on the wish list for far too long was completed this spring to spectacular aplomb. The Recital Hall in Daniel Hall was in great need of some care. When the National Association of Schools of Music requested our recital hall to be handicapped accessible and up to a higher standard, the work began in earnest. In July demolition of parts of the Recital Hall filled several dumpsters. Workers gutted the space, bids were let, and construction was underway for a beautiful new small recital hall. The recital hall was transformed from an awkward, drab space to a performance venue the university can be proud of. James and Nell Briley were known by residents of Henderson, North Carolina as true community leaders. A visionary in the automotive industry, Mr. Briley served as president and secretary of Eveready Chevrolet Co., Inc. of Henderson and executive vice president of Bricker LincolnMercury, Inc. of Hollywood, California. He is past president of both the Henderson Kiwanis Club and Henderson Shrine Club. Mr. and Mrs. Briley were active members of the First Baptist Church in Henderson. As a former Board of Visitor member and Trustee, the Brileys expressed their dedication to Chowan University and the education of young people through the establishment
6 CU Today | Spring/Summer 2015
of the James Lawson Briley Friends of Teacher Education Scholarship. Their love for Chowan University permeated to their only child, Linda Briley Weaver, pictured above with President and Mrs. White. Linda has made Chowan University her heart and passion. She has served Chowan as a Trustee for nearly 20 years, is a member of the Executive Committee, and is chair of the Friends of Teacher Education Board of Directors. Like her parents, her desire is to provide opportunities for young people to succeed in life, to grow spiritually, and to enhance their lives through the joys of music. As work neared completion, one question remained. What would we call the newly revamped recital space? The fulfillment of such an undertaking called for a proper and befitting name. Linda Weaver chose to honor the memory of her parents through the dedication of the new Briley Recital Hall. Concert space completed and name in hand, Chowan University set out to plan a party to celebrate both the completion and naming of Briley Hall. Special effort was given to making sure the dedicatory fete reflected the personalities of the individuals being honored and the grandness of the occasion. A stirring Piano Duet concert was held on Friday, March 20, 2015 with reception following.
