12 TOWER | FALL 2023 The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research was completed in winter 2023. This working facility is open to students and researchers alike, allowing visitors access to KU's growing collection of music, photos and artifacts, along with the rare and valuable vintage collection of mallet percussion instruments that have been acquired over three decades. Concerts have already been held in the 2,100-square-foot performance space, and supporters of the project toured the space in April. The center is named for emeriti faculty members Richard G. Wells ’22 L.H.D. and Dr. Willis M. Rapp. The Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Botanical Research Center, located next to Boehm Science Building, was dedicated in June. Faculty and students alike will spend time in the new area, advancing botanical research in ways that will be appreciated far beyond the KU campus. This facility will be used in community education events for gardening and will complement research in regenerative organic agriculture associated with KU’s new environmental studies program track. The center is named for Nancy Jean Stump Seiger, who graduated in 1954 with a degree in education and received an honorary degree from KU in 2021.. She taught fifth grade in the Reading School District for 32 years and taught citizenship classes at night. 2 3 Matt Delaney, vice president, Finance & Facilities; Dr. Lorin Basden Arnold, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Kaoutar El Mounado, associate professor of biology; Alex Ogeka, executive director of KU Foundation; Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54, ’21 Ped.D.; Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, president; Dr. Laurie McMillan, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Dr. David Beougher, former dean; cut the ribbon at the Botanical Research Center dedication. Elizabeth J. Wells; Richard G. Wells ’22 L.H.D., professor emeritus of music; Joan Rapp; Dr. Willis M. Rapp, professor emeritus of music, member of KU Foundation’s Board of Directors KU Foundation ALUMNI
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