Homecoming 2023: DeSales Cuts the Ribbon on New Labuda Expansion
A major leap forward.
That’s how Anne Lewis, head of the division of performing arts, describes the new addition to the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts.
Lewis and Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D., president of DeSales, hosted a special ribbon cutting ceremony during Homecoming 2023 and welcomed a large crowd of students, parents, and alumni into the new space.
“The Virtual Production Studio, new screening room, equipment cage, and the editing suites in the basement of Brisson, all advance the ability of our TV/film majors to produce art, learn real-world skills with real-world technology, and prepare themselves for a career in media.”
The 6,000-square-foot addition features 11 new offices, a 100-seat tiered screening room for TV/film students to display their projects, a changing room, and an expanded storage area.
But the biggest draw is the Virtual Production Studio, which boasts an AOTO high-performance LED screen comprised of two 13x10 feet sections, an upgraded control studio, and a new computer classroom.
Before Fr. Greenfield blessed the space and cut the ceremonial ribbon, he stressed the need for imagination in today’s technology-driven world and pointed to the yellow stole he wore, which featured symbols for the seven sacraments of the Church.
“Sacraments simply are outward signs instituted by Jesus to give grace,” he said. “A sacramental imagination is really particular to what it means to be Catholic, and I think TV/film majors bring a sacramental imagination to everything they do.”
After the ribbon cutting, TV/film students led parents and alumni on tours of the new space. Despite the wet weather, hundreds turned out for Homecoming 2023, which also included tailgating; an indoor kids zone with pumpkin decorating, inflatable slides, and an obstacle course; the annual chemistry demonstration program; a memorial Mass; and a reception and fireworks show.
