The finishing touches are complete on The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. 鈥淭he Isabel,鈥 as it is affectionately called, stands as a cultural beacon for Queen鈥檚 and eastern Ontario.
The Isabel also provides an opportunity for alumni, benefactors and Queen鈥檚 to recognize some of the remarkable members of the campus community and their contributions. Sprinkled throughout the building are more than 16 named and dedicated spaces.
The Claire and Bill Leggett Seminar Room recognizes Claire and William C. Leggett, LLD鈥04, who served as principal from 1994-2004. In the 10 years under his leadership, Queen鈥檚 doubled its research funding, thanks to what was then the largest fundraising campaign in Queen鈥檚 history. Dr. Leggett is a member of the Order of Canada for his work as both a trailblazer in higher education and as a prominent biologist.
The Karen Hitchcock Rehearsal Hall honours Karen Hitchcock, who served as Queen鈥檚 principal from 2004-2008. Dr. Hitchcock served as the first female principal in Queen鈥檚 history. Under her leadership, Queen鈥檚 acquired the land and began planning the construction of the Isabel.
A percussion room will be named to honour Ross William Gordon, father of Julie Gordon Woolf and father-in-law of Principal and Vice-Chancellor Daniel Woolf, Artsci鈥80.
The David and Shelagh Williams Film Library recognizes David, MSc鈥63, PhD鈥66 and Shelagh Williams, Arts鈥61, MSc鈥66. Of their contribution to the Isabel, Mrs. Williams says, 鈥渕y husband and I have already endowed a music scholarship for Queen鈥檚 students and we realize how important it is that performing arts students have a suitable facility in which to perform and learn stagecraft, thus our support for the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.鈥
The grand lobby of the building will be named the Alexander Murray Jeffery Grand Lobby, in memory of the late Alexander Jeffery, BCom鈥60. The beautiful lobby offers a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario as visitors arrive at the Isabel.
