Honoring Augustana Choir directors
Bergendoff Hall’s transformation continues to take shape, and all planned renovations are expected to be completed in time for the start of the academic year this fall. Already completed are the Hamann Concert Hall, a music education suite and dedicated classroom, and two rehearsal/class-room spaces.
To honor the legacy of two Augustana Choir directors — Dr. Henry Veld and Don Morrison — challenges have been established to name the new rehearsal rooms after them. A third challenge in the name of the family of current conductor Dr. Jon Hurty will transform Bergendoff’s Larson Hall, the Augustana Choir’s home since 1959.
The Veld Challenge
Dr. Henry Veld was offered a job at Augustana in 1929. His first duty was to conduct the women’s choir, first called the Oriole Choir and then the Jenny Lind Chorus, but he was soon asked to help reorganize the men’s glee club, the Wennerberg Chorus, which had disbanded. In 1931, Dr. Veld joined the men’s and women’s choirs into one during a concert and established the Augustana Choir.
From 1931-1966, Dr. Veld was regarded as one of the leading choral conductors in the United States, but was best known by his Augustana students for inspiring a passionate love for music and pushing them beyond their expectations.
The Veld Challenge seeks to raise $50,000 to name one of the two new choir rehearsal rooms after Dr. Veld in honor of his contributions to Augustana’s choir program and his influence on his students’ lives.
The Morrison Challenge
Don Morrison served as the choir’s director, shepherding students through their musical journeys and helping shape their lives, from 1966-1993. His rehearsals were as much about music as they were about life. He helped students connect pieces to their own musical and life experiences.
As did Dr. Veld, Morrison treated each student and each voice as equally important regardless of the student’s major or musical background. His legacy is alive in his students and those who they inspire to love music.
The Morrison Challenge seeks to raise $50,000 to name one of Bergendoff’s two new choir rehearsal rooms after Morrison. "Singing with Don was one of the most impactful and meaningful experiences of my student days," said Kathy Anderson ‘74 Janicek. "The Morrison Challenge is very near and dear to my heart, and I am excited to see Don’s legacy live on in the halls of Bergendoff."
The Hurty Family Challenge
The Augustana Choir has called Larson Hall its home for nearly 65 years. The hall holds memories of music, friendship and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for generations of choir members.
Current plans call for a $180,000 investment to provide new and updated features to Larson, which include new acoustic panels, wall paneling, lighting, flooring and a rebuilt Schroeder diffuser. The estate of Dr. Hurty’s late parents, David and Dr. Kathleen Hurty, will match all gifts to the Hurty Family Challenge up to $90,000 to completely renovate Larson Hall.
Before the gift from the Hurty family’s estate, Larson Hall was scheduled only for a light renovation. With the gift and match challenge, the renovation will provide a state-of-the art space for Augustana Choir rehearsals.
"Making Larson Hall a centerpiece in the newly renovated Bergendoff Hall will not only benefit current students, but also help ensure that the tradition of the Augie Choir will continue for many future years," Dr. Hurty said.
For more details on the challenges and how to give, contact Evan Sammons '20, alumni engagement and fundraising specialist, at evansammons@augustana.edu or (309) 794-7575.