Theresa Wunder, Marcello Guarini Theresa Wunder looks on as dean Marcello Guarini pays tribute to her at the Friends of SoCA reception.

School of Creative Arts thanks friends for their support

On Wednesday evening, the University of Windsor hosted a reception at the School of Creative Arts (SoCA) Armouries to celebrate the leadership and commitment of its supporters.

These “Friends of SoCA” donors fund student scholarships, endowments, experiential learning opportunities, community projects, equipment, technology, supplies, and capital infrastructure.

Several of these supporters were recognized for their generosity and vision by UWindsor president Robert Gordon; Marcello Guarini, dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and SoCA director Vincent Georgie.

Among the donors recognized, three were on hand to be honoured with named spaces in the school:

  • Philip Adamson, professor emeritus and ongoing piano professor and performer;
  • Veronika Mogyorody, professor emeritus, founder of the Visual Arts and the Built Environment (VABE) architecture program, and alumna; and
  • Theresa Wunder, a long-time patron of the arts along with her late husband Martin.

Theresa and Martin Wunder are well-known as supporters of the University of Windsor and the arts community. After Martin’s death, Theresa was committed to securing a good home for his beloved Steinway grand piano. This wonderful instrument is now housed in SoCA’s Boris Roubakine and Marion Hall Piano Studio.

“I donated Martin’s piano because he was very involved with the University of Windsor, especially the law and medical schools,” said Theresa Wunder. “I thought it would be a great honour for us and a tribute to him for the music school to have his piano.”

Dr. Adamson has been quiet in his philanthropy and long-term support of the University. His most recent gift supported the purchase of the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano in the Performance Hall. To recognize his capital support, two spaces have been named: the Philip Adamson Teaching Studio and the Boris Roubakine and Marion Hall Piano Studio, in memory of two piano professors who were key to Adamson’s development as a pianist and academic.

Dr. Mogyorody is an ongoing booster and supporter of the VABE program. She also provided the strategic vision and leadership to transform the campus and develop its downtown presence. In recognition, the University has named the Veronika Mogyorody VABE Resource Hub in her honour.

Several other supporters were unable attend the reception but were recognized by Dr. Guarini at the reception, including:

  • Iain and Louise Baxter – Iain Baxter& Maker Space in the Alan Wildeman Centre for Creative Innovation;
  • the Lacoursiere Society – Lacoursiere Society Think Tank;
  • Jean Tesolin – Jean Tesolin Practice Room;

and several other donors who wished to remain anonymous.

—Susan McKee