Built in 2008, this building was the result of many people dreaming and working for many years.
The lead donor was John M. Law who combined his love of WVWC, his love of the theater and the arts, and love for his late wife to provide funds for this building. His is rumored to have said that although he couldn’t take his money with him he could designate where it could go to make an impact on the future.
An active member of the Play Shop and Alpha Psi Omega during his days at Wesleyan, John was the son of Clyde O. Law. Clyde (1905 graduate of the Seminary and 1909 from the college) became a trustee of the college in 1919, when John was a year old. Clyde went on to be president of the board from 1945-56; and he was the first president and organizer of the Emeritus Club.
A large crowd gathered on April 3, 2009, for the ribbon cutting for the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts, which opened that night to a gala performance of the musical Gypsy.
Culpepper Auditorium, located in this building, is named for Marvin (1951; Hon. 2006) and Elaine Karnes (1954; Hon. 2006) Culpepper. Marvin is the son of Rev. Ross (1930; Hon. 1950) and Dr. Olive O’Dell (1933; Hon. 1972) Culpepper.
The Greek Room, which is used for dinners, small meetings, receptions, etc. was funded with assistance of the Greek Organizations.
(2007) New Performing Arts Center Construction Begins [Sundial 2007 Spring/Summer, p.27] West Virginia Wesleyan College will begin construction on the new Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts next month. The College’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move forward with the project after securing $5.9 million for the project. Bastian and Harris Architects from Charleston and High Point Construction from Buckhannon are coordinating the construction of the facility. The new performance center will house a proscenium arch theatre with full stage, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, a scene building shop, dressing rooms, costume shop and public reception areas. Wesleyan is continuing to secure funding to complete the financing of the project. Nearly 600 individuals and organizations have made donations or pledges. The College plans to secure the remaining $2 million during the 21-month construction period. “We are thrilled to make this long-time dream a reality for Wesleyan and the Buckhannon community,” said Dr. Pamela Balch, president of the college. “We have a rich tradition in performing arts and this facility will provide the impetus for major growth in these academic areas.” Wesleyan currently offers a bachelor of arts in arts administration, musical theatre, and theatre arts and a bachelor of fine arts in performance studies: acting/directing emphasis. The College also offers minors in dance, musical theatre, and theatre arts.