The finishing touches are complete on The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. “The Isabel,” as it is affectionately called, stands as a cultural beacon for Queen’s and eastern Ontario.
The Isabel also provides an opportunity for alumni, benefactors and Queen’s 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’04, who served as principal from 1994-2004. In the 10 years under his leadership, Queen’s doubled its research funding, thanks to what was then the largest fundraising campaign in Queen’s 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’s principal from 2004-2008. Dr. Hitchcock served as the first female principal in Queen’s history. Under her leadership, Queen’s 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’80.
The David and Shelagh Williams Film Library recognizes David, MSc’63, PhD’66 and Shelagh Williams, Arts’61, MSc’66. Of their contribution to the Isabel, Mrs. Williams says, “my husband and I have already endowed a music scholarship for Queen’s 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.”
The grand lobby of the building will be named the Alexander Murray Jeffery Grand Lobby, in memory of the late Alexander Jeffery, BCom’60. The beautiful lobby offers a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario as visitors arrive at the Isabel.
