The College of Creative Arts at West Virginia University will dedicate its newly renovated Bloch Learning and Performance Hall, previously known as the Choral Recital Hall or Room 200A, at the Creative Arts Center Saturday, Oct. 25. The space is named for Stuart and Stephanie Bloch of Wheeling, long-time friends and advocates of the College.

Bloch Hall, as our students refer to it, significantly enhances the educational capabilities of the Creative Arts Center,said Dean Bernie Schultz of the College of Creative Arts.Stuart and Stephanie are both gracious and visionary; their gift to our students and faculty opens new opportunities in learning and performance, which, in turn, will advance the future of the arts and their meaning to our Morgantown community.

The Bloch Learning and Performance Hall is both an exceptional recital hall and a first-class academic and lecture hall. Renovations to the space were completed over the summer of 2003 with generous support from Stuart and Stephanie Bloch and University funds.

The room has been outfitted with the latest audiovisual technology that makes it what is known as a C-Tech Classroom or an electronic classroom. Changes in the space include new lighting with controls for pre-programmed lighting looks, new seats, aisle lights and handrails, improved acoustics, new carpeting and a new wood floor at the platform, a new area for piano storage, a large projection screen and improved aesthetics and upgraded finishes, including acoustical curtains.

In addition to funding the new Bloch Learning and Performance Hall, Stuart and Stephanie Bloch have provided support for numerous student scholarships and computer technology upgrades at the College of Creative Arts.

Stuart Bloch is former president of The Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company, vice president of Helme Products, Inc., and vice president of General Cigar&Tobacco Company, a division of Culbro Corporation. Since 1980, he has been executive vice president, secretary and director of Hazlett, Burt&Watson, Inc. He was formerly chairman of the WVU Foundation and is currently a member of the WVU School of Medicine Visiting Committee.

Stephanie Bloch has been involved in community service for many years and served on numerous community boards. She is currently a member of the Oglebay Institute Board and the Snowshoe Institute Advisory Board, as well as the College of Creative Arts Board of Advisors, where she has given much of her time, creative energy and expertise to the College.

She joined the College of Creative Arts Board when Jon Whitmore was interim dean of the College during 1984-85 and Lynn Duncan Schwabe was chair. She has subsequently served on the Board through the deanships of Phil Faini (interim), Margaret Lucas, C.B. Wilson (interim), Phil Faini and Bernie Schultz. During these years, the College of Creative Arts experienced tremendous growth. A new Art Studio Addition was completed in 1993, the Mesaros Galleries were renovated in 1995, the Vivian Davis Michael Theatre was renovated in 1999, the Gladys G. Davis Theatre and lobby area were renovated in 2000, and, finally, the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, Main Lobby and Bloch Learning and Performance Hall were renovated during 2002-2003.