Dr. Ed and Judy Hines moved to Illinois from Upstate New York in 1980 after Ed accepted a faculty position in Educational Administration at Illinois State University. They had no idea they would form a long-term connection with the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

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With a passion for singing, they joined the Illinois State Civic Chorale, a town and gown group composed of approximately 100 singers. They were welcomed by the Redbird community.

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Dr. Ed and Judy Hines

After four decades of singing and performing in the chorale, the Hineses felt it was time to give back when they learned about the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Transformation Project. The multiyear project will define the future of fine arts at Illinois State with the revitalization of the Center for the Performing Arts, Centennial West, and the Center for the Visual Arts.

The Hineses decided to get involved in a project close to their hearts. Their gift to the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Transformation Project will create the Dr. Edward and Mrs. Judith Hines Center for the Performing Arts Dressing Room in a new addition to the Center for the Performing Arts. Until now, performers had no space to change into costume or performance dress. 

“We are very grateful about how this gift will benefit performers in the new concert hall. This is a way for us to stay connected and give back in a practical yet meaningful way,” the Hineses said. “It means so much to have our name permanently connected to ISU and the Civic Chorale. This new facility will enable Illinois State University to appropriately host performers at future functions at the Center for Performing Arts.”

The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Transformation Project provides spaces for students to learn, create, and dream out loud. To learn more about giving to this project within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, contact Director of Development Polly Bedford at (309) 438-3134 or pbedfor@IllinoisState.edu