YJean Chambers Hall to be dedicated Wednesday (3/26)

The memory of one of Purdue University Calumet’s most beloved professors will live in perpetuity on campus when an instructional and small performance facility bearing her name is dedicated with various performances Wednesday (3/26) at 3 p.m.

The dedication of YJean Chambers Hall, located on the third floor of the Student Union & Library, will include readings by former students, colleagues and friends, as well as performances by the Purdue Calumet Vocal Ensemble and university acting classes. Students from the acting classes will perform “Casablanca Revisited,” written by the late professor of communication.

“YJean Chambers was an inspiration, not only to those at Purdue Calumet who were touched by her life, but also the many students at Roosevelt High School in Gary, where she previously taught, and the countless friends and admirers who appreciate all she did as a community leader to make northwest Indiana a better place,” Purdue Calumet Vice Chancellor for Advancement Judith Kaufman said. “I am so pleased to have had the privilege of playing a small part in helping facilitate this honor.”

YJean Chambers Hall includes projection capability, a stage and seating for some 75 people.

Converted and modernized from a former vocal music instructional classroom, YJean Chambers Hall was made possible by nearly $100,000 in private gifts, notably $50,000 from Harris Bank and a $30,000 matching gift from Citizens Savings Foundation. Individual seat purchases also have supported the project.

Chambers, who died in 2003, was a Purdue Calumet faculty member from 1969 through 1989. As an instructor of voice and diction, she trained and mentored numerous students and graduates who have gone on to successful careers in radio, television and other media.

YJean Chambers Hall will host a series of musical presentations, international films, lectures, student-produced documentaries and features, performances and a showcase of other student talent. Other events scheduled in March and April are:

• Wednesday (3/26), 1 p.m.: “Don’t (Dis) My Art III” – an annual event of Hoosier A.D.A.P.T. that celebrates the capabilities of Purdue Calumet students and invited artists;
• Wednesday (3/26), 7 p.m.: presentation of the Chinese film, “The World” (2004);
• Thursday, (3/27), 6:30 p.m.: Indiana native and author Cathy Day discusses her book, Comeback Season: How I Learned to Play the Game of Love;   
• April 3, 7 p.m.: International Film Festival, the Spanish language film, “El Mariachi,” (1992);
• April 9, 7 p.m.: presentation of the Spanish film, “Solo con tu pareja” (1991);
• April 17, 7 p.m.: presentation of the Spanish film, “La Cienaga” (2001);
• April 21-23: Student Showcase;
• April 24, 5 p.m.: Department of Communication and Creative Arts Awards Night;
• April 26: Audition Workshop for any aspiring actor/performer, sponsored by the Towle Theatre.

Other information can be obtained by e-mailing YJeanHall@calumet.purdue.edu or phoning 219/989-2393 or 219/989-2267.

News Release Date: March 21, 2008