Hill Hall auditorium to be named for former Chancellor, wife

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From left, James Moeser, Susan Moeser and Dean Karen Gil.

Hill Hall’s auditorium will be renovated and named after former Chancellor James Moeser and his wife, Susan. Hill Hall houses the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s music department.

Moeser served as the University’s chancellor from 2000 to 2008 and is a renowned organ recitalist, church musician and teacher.  Susan Moeser is the University Organist and is a lecturer in the department of music. She earned a doctor of musical arts in organ performance from the University of Kansas.

“We are delighted to honor the distinguished service of James and Susan with such a visible and significant symbol of their contributions to the University,” said Karen M. Gil, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The new name will be the “James and Susan Moeser Auditorium.”

Renovations to the 550-seat auditorium and rotunda are expected to begin in 2015 and take two years to complete.  Upgrades will include a climate control system, a state-of-the-art acoustical treatment, a professional grade stage, and a piano and equipment lift.

Total cost of the renovations is $15 million, with one-third coming from the William R. Kenan Charitable Trust, which launched the project; one-third from the Office of the Provost; and one-third from a special fundraising campaign managed by the Arts and Sciences Foundation. None of the money is coming from state-appropriated funds.