Dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony held for NDSU’s Challey Hall
The Challey School of Music serves nearly 160 music majors, offering degrees from bachelor’s to doctorate.
NDSU administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members gathered Friday, Sept. 26 for a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for Challey Hall, celebrating the transformative impact of philanthropy on campus.
The event honored Bob and Sheila Challey, whose generosity has elevated the Challey School of Music and enriched the student experience through a newly completed 9,700-square-foot addition.
Speakers included John Glover, president and CEO of the NDSU Foundation, John Miller, Professor Emeritus and former director of the Division of Performing Arts (Emcee), NDSU President David Cook, Kimberly Wallin, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Tyler Wottrich, director of the Challey School of Music, Ellie Knudsvig, a student in the Challey School of Music, as well as Bob and Sheila Challey.
“This space doesn’t just serve a purpose — it makes a statement. It creates a stunning new look for our campus, especially for those entering from the west, and it sets the tone for the kind of excellence and inspiration we strive for every day,” said Cook.
“On behalf of the entire university community, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Bob and Sheila Challey. Your legacy is woven into the fabric of this institution, and we are better because of you.”
The expansion was driven by growth in NDSU’s performing arts programs. The new space features upgraded rehearsal and classroom areas, advanced music technology, new recording studios and enhanced performance environments.
The Challey School of Music serves nearly 160 music majors, offering degrees from bachelor’s to doctorate. Its graduates enrich communities across the region as outstanding K-12 music educators and contribute to the national academic landscape as professors in performance and conducting. The school’s continued growth is vital to both the region and the nation.
The ceremony concluded with a performance of “The Yellow and The Green,” led by NDSU Chief of Staff and music graduate Jace Beehler, accompanied by the Gold Star Marching Band. Following the program attendees were able to tour Challey Hall.