Leslie Jacobson, chair of the theater and dance department, said the department's production budget has been strained in the past 10 years, especially following budget cuts three years ago. She said theater rental fees, like the fee to use Lisner Auditorium, can be difficult for the department to pay for without outside assistance.
Jacobson emphasized the academic importance of performance for theater and dance students, comparing it to a science lab for science students.
"In the arts, performance is a kind of creative lab," she said.
The music department has also experienced cuts in its academic budget, which have led to a decrease in the number of beginner music classes and one-on-one instruction offered this year.
But funding from Chernak will possibly help to improve perceptions of the University's attitude toward supporting the arts. In May, the University Singers, a group of 53 undergraduate and graduate students, will be going on tour to Croatia, Slovenia and Venice, with partial funding from Chernak.
"It is in the University's interest to give money for this type of tour," wrote Gregory Camp, a member of University Singers, in an e-mail to The Hatchet. "Most importantly, it spreads knowledge of our University around the world. It is also beneficial to the students to travel in a way that is often more enlightening than a simple vacation. By singing with people from around the world, we broaden our experiences and we can take our new knowledge back to GW."
Chernak said the SASS VP discretionary fund was established when he first arrived at the University in 1988 and decided to designate his annual personal gift to GW for this purpose. He said parents and alumni have also contributed to the fund.
Chernak added that he has also co-sponsored a disability studies symposium and the Colonials Weekend jazz lunch.
Jacobson emphasized the academic importance of performance for theater and dance students, comparing it to a science lab for science students.
"In the arts, performance is a kind of creative lab," she said.
The music department has also experienced cuts in its academic budget, which have led to a decrease in the number of beginner music classes and one-on-one instruction offered this year.
But funding from Chernak will possibly help to improve perceptions of the University's attitude toward supporting the arts. In May, the University Singers, a group of 53 undergraduate and graduate students, will be going on tour to Croatia, Slovenia and Venice, with partial funding from Chernak.
"It is in the University's interest to give money for this type of tour," wrote Gregory Camp, a member of University Singers, in an e-mail to The Hatchet. "Most importantly, it spreads knowledge of our University around the world. It is also beneficial to the students to travel in a way that is often more enlightening than a simple vacation. By singing with people from around the world, we broaden our experiences and we can take our new knowledge back to GW."
Chernak said the SASS VP discretionary fund was established when he first arrived at the University in 1988 and decided to designate his annual personal gift to GW for this purpose. He said parents and alumni have also contributed to the fund.
Chernak added that he has also co-sponsored a disability studies symposium and the Colonials Weekend jazz lunch.
