Architect's Rendering Of Peterson-Kermani Performance Hall

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11/16/09

SLU Receives $1.75 Million Gift For Music Performance Space

CANTON - St. Lawrence University has been given $1.75 million to create a new performance space in the Griffiths Arts Center. The Peterson-Kermani Performance Hall will be in the location of the former Gilbert Recital Hall. Renovations are under way and are expected to be completed so that the facility can be in use for the fall 2010 semester.

Karen Kermani Peterson, of Horseheads, NY, made the gift in honor of her late husband, 1962 St. Lawrence graduate Donald Peterson, who passed away in 2006. Donald Peterson had a life-long appreciation of music, especially classical music, and following his death, Karen Peterson gave his extensive music library and audio equipment to the University. While an undergraduate, Donald Peterson was a roommate of Karen Peterson's brother, Peter Kermani, also a member of the Class of 1962.

The renovation project, which has a total cost of about $2 million, will result in a reconfiguration of the space, as well as an overall improvement and upgrade to the facility as a performance venue. It is part of a multi-phase project to improve arts facilities on campus.

The University intends to continue to honor Professor of Music J. Richard Gilbert, a member of the faculty from 1947 until his death in 1970, with a memorial of his St. Lawrence legacy near the entryway of the new Peterson-Kermani Performance Hall.

"Don and Peter's friendship enriched our lives," Karen Peterson said. "And it all began when they were undergraduates at St. Lawrence University. I wanted to recognize Don's love of music, and Peter's role in his life, through this gift to St. Lawrence."

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