Pittsburg State University blog

This blog was written by Chris Kelly, associate vice president for university marketing and communication.

I’ve always been a bit envious of musicians. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I’ve never been able to develop a meaningful relationship with an instrument. Oh, I had a brief fling with a guitar, but much like the violin before it, the guitar left me with little more than sour notes and calloused finger tips.

A musician is somehow able to take this same instrument and use it to convey an emotion that simply isn’t possible with any other medium.

It’s an amazing talent, and one deserving of an equally amazing facility.

Last week, I was fortunate to be at the dedication of a just such a facility on the campus of Pittsburg State University.

No, I’m not referring to the new Performing Arts Center, although it will most definitely be a facility worthy of the finest musicians, I’m referring to the Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall in McCray Hall.

This beautiful recital hall has been refurbished thanks to the generosity of Harvey and Sharon Dean.

During the ceremony Friday, Harvey spoke lovingly about the sacrifices his wife, Sharon, had made for their family.

He spoke about her love of music, how the money she earned giving piano lessons had helped keep the lights on while he was building his business, and of the many ways in which music continues to play an important part in their lives.

The Deans understand the power of music, and are making it possible for generations of students and community members to discover it for themselves.

If you haven’t been inside McCray Hall lately, I encourage you to visit the new Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall.

The new seating and carpet are beautiful, and perfectly compliment the Fisk Opus 106 Organ that serves as a backdrop for the stage.

The new sound system and video streaming capabilities will offer audience members throughout the world the ability to enjoy performances.

And the new layout offers audiences a much more comfortable setting in which to enjoy the performing arts.

As you enjoy the next performance inside the Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall, I ask you to remember its most important feature … that it was made possible by a musician’s love for her art and a husband’s love for his wife. (Here's a special video about the Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall)

Harvey and Sharon Dean, Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott are joined by university students and faculty during the official ribbon cutting of the new Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall.