James Allen Anderson is the new
director of the Symphony Orchestra.
The opening of the anticipated
Greenbriar Cinema to be located in Plemmons Student Union is unclear
but will be worth the wait, said Director of Student Programs David
L. Robertson.
“Students are going to absolutely love it,”
Robertson said.
Digital surround sound and 74 high-back chairs
with private armrests and cup holders are just a few of the features
to look forward to in the new theater, Robertson said.
Students will have to wait, however, until they
can enjoy the planned benefits of Greenbriar Cinema.
“There is no science in predicting when
buildings will be open,” Robertson said.
Dr. Clyde D. Robbins, director of construction
and design, said he is optimistic about the opening.
“We believe the project will be finished
sometime around Thanksgiving,” Robbins said.
Robbins
said work began approximately six months ago and the scope of the
project has seen changes since then.
“It’s a matter of the donor deciding
what he wants,” said Robbins.
The donor, John McElwee, a retired lawyer from
North Wilkesboro, is providing funds for the entire project, said
Robertson.
“No student fees, no tax dollars and no
other dollars are being used,” said Robertson. Robertson would
not release the amount of money donated for the theater.
“Mr. McElwee’s vision for the Greenbriar
Cinema is to expand the film culture on the Appalachian campus by
providing a state-of-the-art screening room complete with film memorabilia
and concession sales,” said Phil Arnold, associate director
of Student Programs.
Robertson said McElwee will show films from his
own private collection of film classics and provide authentic posters
and memorabilia for the theater’s lobby.
“In conjunction with [Appalachian Popular
Programming Society] Films, Mr. McElwee will continue his Private
Screenings Series, which highlights forgotten and rare classics
as well as silver-screen favorites,” Arnold said.
Robertson said the I.G Greer Auditorium will
continue to show the popular recent films shown by A.P.P.S. since
the Greenbriar Cinema will only seat 74 people.
The Private Screenings Series, class-oriented
films, international films and other film series will be shown in
Greenbriar.
