From the Tim and Debbie Schultz Concessions to the dedication of the Irene A. Stoesser Dressing Room, there was much to celebrate at the grand opening of Asteria
An hour before the red carpet rolled out for the opening night of Asteria Theatre on September 27, Colorado Mesa University unveiled the Dave and Mary Wood Plaza, to celebrate the family's meaningful legacy of supporting the arts in western Colorado.
The plaza honors Dave and Mary Wood, long-time residents of Ouray, whose passion for the arts has left an impactful mark on western Colorado. Founders of the Ouray Performing Arts Guild, supporters of the Music in Ouray chamber music series, and contributors to the renovation of the Wright Opera House in downtown Ouray, Dave and Mary Wood have inserted their passion for the arts into several meaningful projects, much like the building of the Asteria Theatre. They created a donor advised fund at Western Colorado Community Foundation that has continued to support the arts after their passing. Their three children serve as donor advisors, and CMU is extremely grateful for their support of Asteria Theatre.
“Dave and Mary Wood were very generous people, supporting many organizations and causes during their lifetime. They shared a special passion for music – classical music, chamber music, and especially opera. Known as patrons of the arts in their home community of Ouray, they invested in the Wright Opera House renovation in Ouray and also the expansion of the Avalon Theater in downtown Grand Junction. They would be thrilled to see the new regional theater and performing arts center on the CMU campus opening today. The venue is an extraordinary asset for the CMU theater and music programs as well as the variety of shows and events that can now be hosted in Western Colorado, expanding arts and cultural offerings to the whole community,” said President and CEO of the Western Colorado Community Foundation Anne Wenzel.
Recognizing some of the most impactful people in and around the arts is just one of the many ways Asteria Theatre continues to bring the stars to the forefront. The Asteria Theatre was built to serve the local community and the region, bringing big names and shining entertainment from around the country. It will also provide a platform for arts education and a venue for CMU student performances. As a tribute to their contributions to the arts and their passion for all things the Asteria Theatre represents, Dave and Mary Wood will have a permanent presence at the theatre.
In addition to the Dave and Mary Wood Plaza, CMU is thrilled to celebrate the naming of the Tim and Debbie Schultz Concessions, the snack and beverage area located in the main lobby of Asteria. Tim Schultz, an alumnus of CMU, was born and raised in Grand Junction. He served as president and executive director of the Boettcher Foundation for over two decades, spanning back to 1996. He was also a baker, a rancher and had a successful career in public service as a commissioner for Rio Blanco County. He also took on leadership roles as Colorado’s agriculture commissioner, head of the Department of Local Affairs and was the inaugural chair of the state’s Economic Development Commission.
Before guests arrived to watch Amadeus on opening night, a dressing room in Asteria was named Irene A. Stoesser Dressing Room. Her sister, Katherine Kylen, named the dressing room after her late sister. Irene was a teacher for children with special needs and founded a performing arts program for children who needed it the most. She created a scholarship for aspiring ballet dancers and was truly passionate about the power of the arts.
The grand opening of CMU’s esteemed Asteria Theatre marked the start of an exciting new chapter, but the celebrations are just beginning. With a full slate of captivating performances ahead, students and faculty are eagerly preparing for a fall semester filled with unforgettable shows. At the same time, CMU will continue to honor those whose generosity made this remarkable theatre possible, leaving a lasting legacy in the arts.
