Kutztown University Foundation Breaks Ground on Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research

Officials breaking ground with shovels.

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The Kutztown University Foundation broke ground on the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research.

“This moment would not be possible without the strong partnership of Kutztown University or the support of our donors,” said Scott Dorn, President of the Kutztown University Foundation’s Board of Directors.  “We are grateful for your generosity towards our shared goal to continue to enhance educational opportunities at KU for our students, faculty, staff – and the community at large.”

The facility will be home to KU's growing collection of music, photos, and artifacts, along with the rare and valuable vintage collection of mallet percussion instruments that have been acquired over three decades.

The 13,250 square foot building will include a 2,100 square foot performance space in addition to rooms dedicated to each of KU's specialized collections of rare marimbas, xylophones, vibraphones, bells, steel pans, and chimes.

The Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research will be a working facility, open to students as well as researchers, and will allow access to play the instruments as well as view one-of-a-kind materials unique to this center.

“It is it my privilege to announce that an anonymous donor has provided a matching gift of $250,000 to double all funds raised for this project through KU’s Homecoming on October 30,” said Alex Ogeka, executive director of the Kutztown University Foundation.  “I am humbled by this generosity, and I invite everyone to make a gift to help us maximize the impact of this match.”

For more information on the project, please click here.

About Kutztown University Foundation

The Kutztown University Foundation raises funds to develop and enhance educational opportunities at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania for its students, faculty, alumni, and the greater Kutztown area.  For more information, visit www.kuf.org.