SWU dedicates Newton Hobson chapel and fine arts center

Southern Wesleyan University dedicated the Faith Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center Oct. 23, kicking off a day of events that concluded with a concert of celebration and praise. Above, the University Singers worship in song. At right, Dr. Julius Scipio was the guest speaker for the ceremony. Here are some photo galleries* featuring some sights of that day: Dedication ceremony  and luncheon Donor Appreciation Dinner A Concert of Celebration and Praise

*(Slideshows require Flash Player)

Chapel & Fine Arts Center Update | Dedication set for Oct. 23

Southern Wesleyan University has opened the doors to a new chapel and fine arts center at its campus in Central. And that facility now allows the university to open its campus to new opportunities.

Southern Wesleyan University students, faculty and staff met for their first chapel service in the new Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center on Aug. 19. The $5.6 million, 47,000-square-foot facility has a seating capacity of 1,200, including a spacious balcony and stage. It is also the new home for the university’s Fine Arts and Spiritual Life departments.

“We are thrilled that this new building will allow us to invite more community members to our campus to see larger performances than ever before,” said Jane Dill, chair of the Fine Arts Department. “It’s wonderful to be able to show the new facility to parents, new students and community friends. It’s really something we can be proud of.”

Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center will be used for the university’s twice-a-week chapel services, as well as a full schedule of fine arts events.

“We have storage space and 22 practice rooms. We have many new pianos and fully-equipped classrooms. I love our computer lab with the latest technology in music education. The new building is also a great place to perform,” Dill said, noting Southern Wesleyan’s new 9-foot Steinway concert grand piano.

Students agree that the new facility is a showpiece, applauding the custom-designed features.

“I absolutely love the new building,” said Michael Wooten, a music major from Gilbert, S.C. “As a performer, it really raises the level of professionalism on campus.”

Wooten, a senior, also appreciates the technology in the classrooms of the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center, as well as the sound systems available to the students. He believes the community will benefit from being able to attend events in the facility.

“I had some friends visit me at Southern Wesleyan University and when they stepped into our new building, it elevated their whole opinion of the campus,” Wooten said. “It seems that we have been given so many gifts with this new building – it makes me want to raise the level of my performance to meet the high level of this building.”

Alyssa Sterling, a music major from Roanoke, Va., also believes that the university’s new building will bring more fine arts events to more people in Southern Wesleyan University’s area.

“When the public comes to our new building, it has an elegant, educational feel. It just looks so nice,” Sterling, a sophomore said. “It’s also a great tool. There’s a recording studio and a two-story rehearsal hall.”

Southern Wesleyan University has a full fine arts series with a variety of performances, from sacred concerts to jazzy presentations.

The next Southern Wesleyan University fine arts event will be the Palmetto Statesmen Barbershop Chorus, directed by Dr. Don Campbell on Oct. 13. With a history that dates back to 1951, this barbershop group promises to entertain. Ranking in the top third of the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 800 chapters, the group includes more than 40 men from every walk of life.

The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center on Southern Wesleyan University’s campus in Central. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. Call (864) 644-5191 for tickets and details. Discounts are available for groups of 10 more. SWU faculty, staff and students enter free with valid ID, but tickets must be reserved. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Faith Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center will be dedicated on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 10:30 a.m., followed by an open house of the facility until 1:30 p.m. Dr. Julius Scipio will be the keynote speaker for the occasion.

The university will continue the celebration at 7:30 p.m. that night with a concert of celebration and praise in the chapel, which will showcase all of the university’s musical ensembles and will feature other special guests. The concert is free and open to the public. For concert details, call (864) 644-5408.

In June of 2008, Southern Wesleyan University’s music program recently became an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

“This national recognition affirms the high quality of Southern Wesleyan University’s music programs and affirms our highly talented faculty members who provide the outstanding experience and contributed greatly to achieve this status,” Dr. Spittal said. “We are pleased to receive this acknowledgement of their fine work and the high quality experience they provide for our music students.” 

Dill said the accreditation adds distinction for graduate as well as for potential students.

“To say you’ve graduated from a school accredited by NASM is a mark of excellence. Graduate schools and prospective employers take a good look if you’ve graduated from a school that has that accreditation,” Dill said. “And it marks us as a top-quality music school for prospective students.”

For details on upcoming events at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center, go to http://www.swu.edu/ or call (864) 644-5408.

Southern Wesleyan University