Green Music Center at SSU receives $500,000 for education from Intel founder

ROHNERT PARK, Feb. 25, 2009 -- The Vadasz Family Foundation established by one of the founders of Intel Corporation has donated $500,000 to Sonoma State University's Green Music Center for education.

“We are confident that the Green Music Center will enhance the education experience for our students, and are glad to be part of the community of supporters helping SSU achieve this goal," said Les Vadasz.

The center, which includes a performance venue, classrooms, offices, a hospitality center and Schroeder’s Recital Hall, has been in the works for more than 10 years. Construction began in 2006.

The $500,000 is divided into two $250,000 donations. One half is for seven student practice rooms that provide space for student study, practice and instruction in the Music Education Hall. The foundation also established a $250,000 Vadasz Family Endowment Fund to provide lessons and practice scholarships for students.

Susan Kashack, associate vice president for communications and marketing at SSU, said the continued hope is that the world-class performance venue at the center will be open by 2010 and officials are continuing to raise funds to complete the final elements.

“Fundraising these days is difficult,” she said. “But thankfully people are still continuing to give to the music center.”

The entire project is estimated to cost $110 million. There is still about $18 million left to put together, according to Ms. Kashack.

The Music Education Hall at the Green Music Center opened for classes in the Fall of 2008.