Redesigned Concert Hall at USU Becomes Reality

Daines Family Gift Makes New Hall Possible

LOGAN —— At Utah State University’s Old Main Society celebration in October 2016, a surprise announcement was made regarding the institution’s renovation of the Chase Fine Arts Complex. Thanks to a gift from the children of Jean and the late Newel Daines to honor their parents, the main concert hall will be known as the Newel G. and Jean C. Daines Concert Hall, The hall will serve as the centerpiece of the extensive Fine Arts Complex renovation.
The announcement was made by USU President Stan Albrecht and Caine College of the Arts Dean Craig Jessop.

[tweetthis]Redesigned Concert Hall at #USU Becomes Reality[/tweetthis] “The gift from the Daines’ children is the capstone gift needed to finish our newly-updated facility,” Albrecht said. “The gift is allowing us to increase the quality of the amenities used in the final phases of the concert hall’s renovation. Performers and patrons alike will benefit from the Daines’ generous donation through the finely detailed craftsmanship the gift is able to provide.”
Making the gift possible are the children and spouses of Newel and Jean, who include Wynn and Pamela Johnson, Salt Lake City, Utah; George and Mindy Daines, Providence, Utah; Linda Skidmore Daines and the late Richard Daines, New York City, New York; David and Janet Stowell, Wilmette, Illinois; and Peter and Holly Daines, Logan, Utah.

 

“I was a student when the Chase Fine Arts Center originally opened,” Jessop said. “I, like many other students, walked through the building in wonder. And now, with our expansion and renovation, we hope students and members of the public will again have that response when they walk into the into the new and impressive Daines Concert Hall.”

 

Included in the Fine Arts complex renovation plans is not just an update, but a complete redesign of the concert hall. The intent was to return the space to its original purpose, a concert hall with an appropriate stage, choir loft and concert seating.
“What a wonderful way to pay tribute to the legacy of Newel and Jean, all the while bringing about the completion of the concert hall that will be enjoyed by USU and its surrounding communities,” Albrecht said.
A gala re-opening is planned in Oct. 18, 2017, 50 years to the day of the original opening of the Chase Fine Arts Center.