Creve Coeur, MO, September 7, 2011 - Chaminade College Preparatory School officially dedicate the new Skip Viragh Center for the Arts on Friday, September 9 at 2:00 PM in the Siefert Theatre.
The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts was made possible through a gift from Albert P. "Skip" Viragh, Chaminade Class of 1959. The gift was made to honor Skip's wish to "do something special for Chaminade." Skip Viragh, son of Albert and Alvina Viragh, began his journey from boy to man in 1950 as a fourth grader at Chaminade. His life was a testament to entrepreneurial spirit through taking risks, persevering and learning from mistakes. After a business venture failed, he later founded Rydex Funds and grew that business to more than 200 employees and $10 billion in assets under management in 10 years. Skip was recognized in May 2010 by Investment Advisor as one of the 30 most influential individuals over the past three decades in the financial services industry. Tragically, Skip died of pancreatic cancer on December 11, 2003. Perhaps the most telling part of Skip's legacy is his commitment to philanthropy. He was grateful for the blessings he received and was committed to helping others.
Chaminade's Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, a 79,000+ square foot center features the 1,000 seat Rev. Ralph Siefert, S. M. Theatre, a 150 seat black box Little Theatre and several state-of-the art communication arts, drama, music and visual arts classrooms.
Chaminade College Preparatory School, founded in 1910 by the Society of Mary, is a Catholic day and resident school for boys, grades 6-12, sponsored by the Marianist Province of the United States. Located on 55 acres in suburban St. Louis, the school features a rigorous academic program in which over 40 advanced college credit courses are offered in all major subject areas. Extensive co-curricular activities complement 17 varsity sports, an extensive experiential education program, an international residence program, the servant leadership program, and the House System which emphasizes formation and leadership development. |
