September 2002
Thursday, September 26 at 1:00PM is the Grand Opening of the Spurlock Museum. This is the culmination of nearly five years of hard work by a dedicated staff. Gallery construction is completed, and artifacts are installed. Graphic panels for the galleries and the accompanying text are in the final installation phase, and museum personnel are cleaning and straightening the exhibits. In spite of our busey schedules, we are already seeking to develop a Natural History Wing. Visit our temporary Natural History exhibit near the entrance to the museum. We invite all to join us on Thursday.
To celebrate the hard work and unfailing support of the Museum Board, a black tie dinner will be held on the evening of September 25. Supported by corporate gifts and Board Vice President, Dr. Allan Campbell, the celebration will be held at the Champaign Country Club and will include a sneak preview of the museum.
Many of you have heard of the financial issues faced by the University. Fortunately, with the help of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean, Jesse Delia, the museum has been spared most of the hardships now facing many of our campus units. This is not to say that the museum has entered these lean times unscathed, as some adjustments will have to made to meet the mandated cutbacks, but our exhibitions and programs will carry on as planned.
As stated in my last letters, although our long-term endowment goal ($6 million) is on schedule, short-term finances still remain a problem. Once the museum is open and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the educational benefits of our exhibits and programs, we hope our short term needs will be met.