In the construction world "topping off", at least as I understand it, occurs when the last steel beam of the foundation is ensconsed in concrete. For the construction crew this important event is marked by signing the steel beam, celebration, and of course, a barbecue!
Yesterday's Toppjng Off Ceremony was a celebration for all of the faculty and staff that attended--arts and academic faculty and all support staff. It was a chance for all of us to celebrate this signature event with the artists who designed our building and the artists constructing our building.
For those faculty and staff that have been with LACHSA since and near the beginning--Vicki Silva, Jerry Freedman, Marian Kliger, Flora Plum, Nelly Ghazarian, Susan Larson, Barry Pohlmann, Pat Bass, Mona Garcia, Dan Castro, Dave Ettinger, Jim Hutchinson, Don Martin, Alan Mautner, Lois Hunter, Gary Soerensen,--it is, I hope a dream fulfilled. For everyone in the LACHSA community, I am so proud that this dream will become reality.
While the construction continues and the details of an exact move-in date for next school year are still in flux, I want to underscore how important this new facility will be to the future of LACHSA. Excitement is building for our new facility that will feature state of the art technology, a gallery space, film production studio, black box theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre, and garden space. There is, however something more.
Since the beginning, LACHSA has created community through the shared passion, devotion, and spirit of our students' love of the arts and world view. This dedicated space will compliment and strengthen the exceptionalism of our students, essential for the continued success of LACHSA, and will connect our students and alumni, families and community through shared experience physically and symbolically.
While today's celebration is important, it is only the beginning. The opening of our new home will be marked by a week of celebration. All of our students, alumni, families, partners, and supporters will have a chance to celebrate or community through the erection of our new home. Stay Tuned!
