CNU recognized by Hampton Roads association

News Release - Oct. 25, 2006

Media Contact:
Karen L. Gill
Office of Communications and Public Relations
(757) 594-8428

(NEWPORT NEWS, Va.) — Christopher Newport University was recognized last week for making an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in the Hampton Roads region.  The University received the “Committee’s Choice Award” Excellence in Design Award from the Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate on Oct. 19.

The award is given to the "person, place or thing that has made an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in the Hampton Roads region." It was given to CNU for having the greatest positive impact on the commercial real estate industry and overall area development.

"They provide outstanding academic programs, encourage service and leadership within the community, and provide opportunities for student involvement in nationally and regionally recognized research and arts programs," said the judges in presenting the award to CNU President Paul Trible. "The ongoing growth and development that make Christopher Newport a huge contributor to the success of Hampton Roads seem boundless."

In addition, CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts received First Honor for Best Institutional/Public Building, and its POMOCO Stadium received an Award of Merit for Best Recreational and Entertainment Facility at the awards that were presented at Nauticus in Norfolk.

The Ferguson Center for the Arts includes a 1,700-seat proscenium theater, a 440-seat proscenium theater, a 200-seat “black box” theater, art galleries, rehearsal halls, a dance studio, art studios and other classrooms. It was designed by Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas + Company of Norfolk, in association with Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and constructed by W.M. Jordan. Its grand opening was in September 2005.

“The quality is so high, and the presentation is top notch,” the judges said of the Ferguson Center.

POMOCO Stadium was designed by Magoon & Associates, and constructed by W.M. Jordan. It was completed in 2003.

“CNU created a structure that is greater than the sum of the parts. It reminds you of some of the great baseball stadiums and football stadiums,” the judges said of POMOCO Stadium.

Judges for the competition were Alan L. Hansen, director of architecture, DBI Architects Inc.; Mark S. Hassinger, president, WestDulles Properties; Bruce B. Stouffer, director of real estate developer, University of Virginia Foundation; and Keith A. Weaver, associate principal, EDSA Inc.

CNU's Ferguson Center for the Arts has won these other awards recently from other organizations:

• Louis I. Kahn Award. The November issue of American School & University Magazine names the Ferguson Center for the Arts the 2006 grand prize, post-secondary winner of the Louis I. Kahn Award for education design excellence.
• Excellence in Design. The Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Institute of Architects gave the Ferguson Center the Excellence in Design Award for 2006.
• Prague Quadrennial 2007. The Ferguson Center has been included in the Prague Quadrennial 2007, an international competitive exhibition of scenography and theater architecture that is organized by the Theatre Institute and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2007. The competition will be held in June 2007 in the Industrial Palace, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Grand Prize. College Planning & Management magazine named the Ferguson Center for the Arts the 2006 Grand Prize Winner in the 7th Annual Education Design Showcase. It is featured in the magazine’s June 2006 edition. The contest showcases facilities at colleges and universities that help achieve the best possible learning environment for higher education, as well as being responsive to the needs of students and educators.

Bill Biddle, Ferguson Center’s executive director, is thrilled with the accolades.

“Christopher Newport University made a commitment to build a world-class performing arts facility that would serve both CNU and the community,” he said. “The goal was to reach high and exceed expectations, so we could attract the finest artists in the world to Hampton Roads. With these acknowledgements, along with tremendous community support, we have accomplished just that.”