New Arts Center At Chaminade Dedicated

In spite of a wet and chilly afternoon yesterday, area dignitaries and the Chaminade community of students, parents, alumni, friends, faculty and staff turned out to attend the official dedication of the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts. The festivities took place in the 1,000-seat Siefert Auditorium, named in honor of the school’s president, Rev. Ralph Siefert.

Steve Vincent, the school’s director of advancement, kicked off the program by introducing Siefert. After the school’s band played the national anthem, Siefert addressed the attendees saying the center was Chaminade's most exciting project since the school’s inception in 1910.

A time lapse video demonstrated the progression of the center’s construction throughout the 18-month project.

Chaminade’s board president, Tom Stiffler, thanked the Viragh family for its donation and recognized the various people and teams who were involved in the project. He then introduced Bob Viragh, one of Skip’s brothers. Bob shared stories of Skip’s early years as well as his family’s connection with their alma mater.

Twelve members of Skip’s class were in the audience and were recognized by Siefert.

When Mark Viragh was introduced by Siefert, he took off his sports coat and put on a Chaminade t-shirt and cap. Mark recounted Skip’s years as a businessman, husband and father. Skip passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2003.

Mayor Harold Dielmann thanked all those responsible for bringing the center to fruition. St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley was on hand to offer congratulations.

Father David Paul, representing the Marianist Province, explained the role the church has had in supporting the arts in the development of Western civilization. Bishop Edward Rice of the Archdiocese of St. Louis offered congratulations on behalf of Archbishop Carlson. He explained that the center is part of the school’s goal to educate the whole person.

Siefert’s closing remarks included a blessing and recognition of the members of the Viragh family. Student house captains presented the family with an oversized thank you card.

The program concluded with a video of various members of the Chaminade community thanking Skip for the center followed by the band playing the school's fight song.

The center’s inaugural performance will be a grand opening concert by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on September 25 at 7 p.m.