Alice Dodge Wallace ’38
Center for the Performing Arts
Grand Opening Celebration
On April 24–25, 2025, the Emma community gathered on Mount Ida to celebrate the grand opening of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts at the heart of the Emma Willard School campus.
This momentous occasion highlighted the collective generosity of alumnae, families, and friends, whose contributions to the Infinite Horizon campaign made this breathtaking community space a reality. Students enjoyed an inspiring and challenging conversation about climate change with Jane Fonda ’55. Guests took part in dedication ceremonies and enjoyed performances by student and alumnae musicians, a grand performance by star of stage and screen Kelli O'Hara, and student presentations of their Signature capstone projects and Emma Artist performances. The dedication marked a proud milestone, honoring Emma Willard's shared commitment to creativity and excellence that will resonate through every note, scene, and story performed in this dynamic new space.
Experience the Celebration
From climate conversations with alumnae who have made the environment their life's mission to Signature capstone project and Emma Artist presentations...from alumnae artists to Kelli O'Hara and Ensemble Connect...the Grand Opening of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts was a spectacular display of excellence!
Making the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38
Center for the Performing Arts a Reality
We celebrate the impact of Alice Dodge Wallace's investment in our community, as well as the investments of all whom she sought to inspire…collective philanthropy that has strengthened our mission. Hear from our leadership and get a glimpse of the Wallace Center spaces in this video piece, which was debuted at the dedication event.
Explore the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts
This slide show, which was shown during the event as people gathered in the Klingenstein Concert Hall, provides an inside look at the new spaces in the Wallace Center.
![cutting the ribbon on the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745952558/emmawillardorg/plm0pmkzylshkksgwvr9/EWS_6869_fnl.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745952558/emmawillardorg/plm0pmkzylshkksgwvr9/EWS_6869_fnl.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745952558/emmawillardorg/plm0pmkzylshkksgwvr9/EWS_6869_fnl.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745952558/emmawillardorg/plm0pmkzylshkksgwvr9/EWS_6869_fnl.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745952558/emmawillardorg/plm0pmkzylshkksgwvr9/EWS_6869_fnl.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745952558/emmawillardorg/plm0pmkzylshkksgwvr9/EWS_6869_fnl.jpg","width":2200}])
With a packed concert hall and overflow spaces filled, the dedication of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts was a celebration of philanthropy, connection, and musical excellence.
![Dedicating the Klingenstein Concert Hall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745947024/emmawillardorg/fdenlwdphcmgkaadf1yu/IMG_20250424_152438103_HDR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745947024/emmawillardorg/fdenlwdphcmgkaadf1yu/IMG_20250424_152438103_HDR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745947024/emmawillardorg/fdenlwdphcmgkaadf1yu/IMG_20250424_152438103_HDR.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745947024/emmawillardorg/fdenlwdphcmgkaadf1yu/IMG_20250424_152438103_HDR.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745947024/emmawillardorg/fdenlwdphcmgkaadf1yu/IMG_20250424_152438103_HDR.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745947024/emmawillardorg/fdenlwdphcmgkaadf1yu/IMG_20250424_152438103_HDR.jpg","width":2200}])
The dedication of Klingenstein Concert Hall was designed as “an adventure in gratitude,” honoring Sally Klingenstein Martell ’85, whose investment in and commitment to the Emma Willard community have been unwavering.
![Jenny, Lisa, Susie, Megan, and Renata on stage with a portrait]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745952137/emmawillardorg/nrb6lwpwrhehjoadltmd/ADWPAC_Thurs_Selects_Edits_57.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745952137/emmawillardorg/nrb6lwpwrhehjoadltmd/ADWPAC_Thurs_Selects_Edits_57.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745952137/emmawillardorg/nrb6lwpwrhehjoadltmd/ADWPAC_Thurs_Selects_Edits_57.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745952137/emmawillardorg/nrb6lwpwrhehjoadltmd/ADWPAC_Thurs_Selects_Edits_57.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745952137/emmawillardorg/nrb6lwpwrhehjoadltmd/ADWPAC_Thurs_Selects_Edits_57.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745952137/emmawillardorg/nrb6lwpwrhehjoadltmd/ADWPAC_Thurs_Selects_Edits_57.png","width":2200}])
In an Emma Willard School tradition that dates back to its founding in 1814, the tenure of 17th Head of School Jenny Rao was commemorated with the commissioning of an official portrait to be displayed alongside her predecessors in Lyon-Remington Hall.
![Jane Fonda ’55 speaks to students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745952356/emmawillardorg/zcp8674pytierf7fyhet/EWS_0252_fnl.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745952356/emmawillardorg/zcp8674pytierf7fyhet/EWS_0252_fnl.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745952356/emmawillardorg/zcp8674pytierf7fyhet/EWS_0252_fnl.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745952356/emmawillardorg/zcp8674pytierf7fyhet/EWS_0252_fnl.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745952356/emmawillardorg/zcp8674pytierf7fyhet/EWS_0252_fnl.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745952356/emmawillardorg/zcp8674pytierf7fyhet/EWS_0252_fnl.jpg","width":2200}])
A fearless activist, voice for justice, and living example of what it means to evolve, grow, and never stop fighting for what you believe in, Jane Fonda ’55 wanted her visit to Emma Willard to center around a climate action conversation with current students.
![Nisha presents her Signature project]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745950787/emmawillardorg/qa9n0vptdoduwi34a5mw/IMG_20250425_104724081_HDR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745950787/emmawillardorg/qa9n0vptdoduwi34a5mw/IMG_20250425_104724081_HDR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745950787/emmawillardorg/qa9n0vptdoduwi34a5mw/IMG_20250425_104724081_HDR.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745950787/emmawillardorg/qa9n0vptdoduwi34a5mw/IMG_20250425_104724081_HDR.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745950787/emmawillardorg/qa9n0vptdoduwi34a5mw/IMG_20250425_104724081_HDR.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745950787/emmawillardorg/qa9n0vptdoduwi34a5mw/IMG_20250425_104724081_HDR.jpg","width":2200}])
Spring Showcase, a much-anticipated tradition at Emma Willard School, was elevated to new heights this year with its inclusion in the Wallace Center Grand Opening.
![Ann Beha]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745948539/emmawillardorg/nwyldvi3j6o6gnx4avrr/EWS_6665_fnl.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745948539/emmawillardorg/nwyldvi3j6o6gnx4avrr/EWS_6665_fnl.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745948539/emmawillardorg/nwyldvi3j6o6gnx4avrr/EWS_6665_fnl.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745948539/emmawillardorg/nwyldvi3j6o6gnx4avrr/EWS_6665_fnl.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745948539/emmawillardorg/nwyldvi3j6o6gnx4avrr/EWS_6665_fnl.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745948539/emmawillardorg/nwyldvi3j6o6gnx4avrr/EWS_6665_fnl.jpg","width":2200}])
Architect Ann Beha was on hand during the grand opening weekend to present a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts.
![The alumnae choir on stage]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745950196/emmawillardorg/zt4qtkxjvwgf6ye1zg6z/EWS_7206_fnl.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745950196/emmawillardorg/zt4qtkxjvwgf6ye1zg6z/EWS_7206_fnl.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745950196/emmawillardorg/zt4qtkxjvwgf6ye1zg6z/EWS_7206_fnl.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745950196/emmawillardorg/zt4qtkxjvwgf6ye1zg6z/EWS_7206_fnl.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745950196/emmawillardorg/zt4qtkxjvwgf6ye1zg6z/EWS_7206_fnl.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745950196/emmawillardorg/zt4qtkxjvwgf6ye1zg6z/EWS_7206_fnl.jpg","width":2200}])
Following the Wallace Center dedication events, Saturday was a day of relaxing into the arts—musical performances, poetry readings, and visual art.
![Ensemble Connect on the Klingenstein Concert Hall stage]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745949492/emmawillardorg/lqrxvokiburj9eznwaeb/EWS_7515_fnl.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745949492/emmawillardorg/lqrxvokiburj9eznwaeb/EWS_7515_fnl.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745949492/emmawillardorg/lqrxvokiburj9eznwaeb/EWS_7515_fnl.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745949492/emmawillardorg/lqrxvokiburj9eznwaeb/EWS_7515_fnl.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745949492/emmawillardorg/lqrxvokiburj9eznwaeb/EWS_7515_fnl.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745949492/emmawillardorg/lqrxvokiburj9eznwaeb/EWS_7515_fnl.jpg","width":2200}])
The finale performance of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts Grand Opening Celebration featured a spectacular quintet from Ensemble Connect.
Snapshots
