Part of Something BiggeR

Musician Ruth McKay ’80 on her gift to preserve Emma Willard’s historic pipe organ

A professional harpsichord musician, Ruth McKay ’80 has fond memories of Emma Willard’s majestic pipe organ. “I loved that instrument; it was a big part of my choir experience. It was amazing to hear how the entire chapel became part of the sound—you almost have to build a room around a pipe organ.”

Ruth’s generous gift to the Infinite Horizon campaign has supported the preservation, fine craftsmanship, and voicing of Emma Willard’s pipe organ for the new Center for the Performing Arts. The organ’s pipes have been packed in situ to withstand building renovations, and the three-keyboard console was carefully diagrammed using digital surveying equipment before dismantling and safe storage.

“It’s really important for me to give back to the next generation of Emma musicians,” Ruth says. “I often wish that everyone could have the wonderful experience I had, so I want to do anything that gives access, opportunity, and inspiration to all future students.”

Pipe organ expert Peter O’Hearn, who has tuned the instrument since 1969, will be reinstalling the organ in 2024. Ruth can’t wait to go back and hear it. “I’m so excited for the updated performance center,” says Ruth. “Hearing music in a well-made space makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger. It makes you feel elevated.”

Beauty In Excellence

Erica Ling ’75 an architect and an Honorary Trustee—talks about reinvigorating a cherished space

Q: You gave a loge box—named in honor of your parents—as part of Infinite Horizon. What inspired you to make that gift?

A: The Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts speaks deeply to me as an architect and as someone whose family has deep roots in the arts and education. Alice Dodge Wallace’s gift—its ambition and its generosity—was also an inspiration to me.

Q: How does the Center for the Performing Arts speak to you as an architect?

A: I seek beauty in design

An Essential Part Of Life

Linda and May Van Norman ’98 talk about the wonder of music excellence—and in other forms of excellence: academic, athletic, scientific, artistic. I’m thrilled to see the chapel re-imagined and reinvigorated. The Center for the Performing Arts gives us an inspiring space that can embrace every member of the Emma community.

Q: Your family helped to fund a new music rehearsal space for Infinite Horizon. What inspired you to make this gift?

May: I wouldn’t be who I am without Emma Willard. I received so much support and direction when I was a student there. So I think it’s important to give back to a place that gave me so much.

Linda: Our family believes that the arts are an essential part of life. Too often people fall into thinking that life is just about money—but it’s about more than that. Culture and beauty are necessary to become a well-rounded individual. With our gift to the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts, we want to help enrich the lives of every Emma Willard student.

Q: What do you see ahead for Emma Willard?

A: Emma Willard widened my world. Our alma mater speaks of ‘friendship’s alchemy.’ I want new generations of students to broaden their horizons, to experience that alchemy in this singular place.

Q: What are you excited to see your gift accomplish?

Linda: I’m excited to see updated, professional facilities. I think they will allow for world-class performances and collaboration between arts disciplines.

May: At Emma Willard, students are encouraged to pursue their individual interests, including music. So we are really excited to contribute to a future Emma Willard with an even stronger performing arts tradition.

Q: What does music mean to you?

Linda: Music evokes so many memories and feelings. Beauty, love, joy, sadness. In a way, music is everything.

May: Yes, there’s nothing more powerful. Music is a universal language that connects us all.

$143,286,811

$142,925,288$143,286,811