VERMILLION, S.D. -- The renovation of the auditorium in Robert L. Slagle Hall on the campus of the University of South Dakota, completed last spring, has transformed the venue from a nice lecture theater into a dazzling performance arts center.
Named in honor and appreciation of Bailey and Kathy Aalfs, who made the lead gift in the historic Campaign South Dakota to fund the renovation of the facility, Aalfs Auditorium began its facelift in 2008.The 38,000 square foot facility was constructed in 1925 and renovations included lighting upgrades for performances, enhanced electrical service to the building, better acoustics, more accessible seating, new stage floors and improved sightlines.
One of the crown jewels of the auditorium, the unaltered E.M. Skinner Opus 548 Organ, was also brought back to life through the project. Repairs to the 68 year-old organ included finishing the fourth keyboard by providing stops intended but not provided during its construction and new wiring that allows for greater flexibility for the organist to change sounds or stops.
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Completed in the spring of 2011, the renovation project now provides the university with an elegant and exciting venue for events both small and large, including musical theatre, orchestras and musical ensembles, soloists, dance companies and lectures. The venue also serves as a perfect showcase for the university's Rawlins Piano Trio, voice faculty, Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, the USD Symphonic and Concert Bands, and USD Opera. Funding for the renovation of Aalfs Auditorium included more than $3.5 million in private funding and an estimated $4.6 million from the South Dakota Higher Education Facilities Fund.
The Aalfs, both natives of Sioux City, Iowa and USD alumni, are trustees of the USD Foundation and have been active in civic and cultural affairs in their community. Kathy has served on the board of Girls, Inc., Jackson Recovery Center and the USD Foundation while Bailey has served on the board of trustees of Briar Cliff University and several corporate boards. Bailey (B.A. 1960) majored in mathematics while Kathy received her two-year teaching certificate that same year.
USD celebrated the grand reopening of Aalfs Auditorium on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a concert featuring the South Dakota Symphony. The auditorium officially reopened on March 16, 2011 and has hosted sold out concerts and performances in that short time featuring the popular rock band OneRepublic and hip-hop artist Mac Miller.
