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A traditional German ceremony, the Richtfest,
marked the "topping out" or completion of the framework
for the Kade-Duesenberg German House and Cultural Center on December
6, 1999. The ceremony included remarks by benefactors and the
president of the campus German Club. Members of the Valparaiso
University Brass Ensemble, conducted by Richard Watson, and the
Gjallar Quartet provided music, and the newly appointed cultural
center director, Dr. Sarah DeMaris, gave a toast in German to
the workers, to the donors to the project and to all who will
use the building. The highlight of the Richtfest was the traditional
raising of a ribbon-festooned evergreen at the highest point
on the building.
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- A computer-generated drawing of the Kade-Duesenberg
German House and Cultural Center provided a preview look at the
building under construction.
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- The Valparaiso University Brass Ensemble
provided music at the Richtfest.
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Dr. Sarah DeMaris, Associate
Professor of Foreign Languages & Literatures, gave a toast
to the project in German. |
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Richard Duesenberg, who
with his wife, brother, and sister-in-law, is a major benefactor
to the building project, was among the speakers at the Richtfest. Raising their cups as
part of the toast to the construction project are, from left,
University Pastor Joseph Cunningham, benefactor Richard Duesenberg,
Valpo German Club President Janice Mulholland, University President
Dr. Alan F. Harre, benefactor Phyllis Duesenberg, and German
faculty member Dr. Sarah DeMaris, who will serve as Director
of the Kade-Duesenberg German House and Cultural Center. |
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The two-story building
will provide residential space for about a dozen Valpo students
studying the German language and serve as a center to enhance
understanding and study of the German culture. |
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Richard Duesenberg and
Valparaiso University President Alan F. Harre enjoy refreshments
following the Richtfest. |
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Phyllis Duesenberg, a
major benefactor of the facility, speaks about the donors' vision
of its future use. |
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Janice Mulholland of
McMurray, Pa., President of the Valpo German Club, speaks about
the benefits the facility will provide to the study of German
on campus. |
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A highlight of the Richtfest
was the raising of an evergreen at the highest point on the building. |
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Despite cool temperatures,
a large number of students, faculty, administration, and local
community enjoyed the Richtfest. |
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