The 冈本视频 Inn was officially dedicated during Homecoming weekend, though guests have been staying overnight, dining, entertaining, and enjoying the renovated historic inn for several months now.
The reception featured a champagne ribbon cutting, and expressions of gratitude to several alumni whose support has been critical.
Mark Falcone 鈥85, a member of the Board of Trustees and chairman of the Hamilton
Initiative, was recognized for the integral role he played in the renovation. Though he and his wife, Ellen Bruss, had been involved in nearly every detail, Falcone was surprised to learn that there was a new Falcone Suite named in their honor.
The Persson Suite was dedicated in recognition of Helen K. Persson, widow of A. Theodore 鈥淭ed鈥 Persson Jr. 鈥42, trustee emeritus. Special thanks was given to Harry Mariani 鈥59 and James Mariani 鈥87 for their support of the project, and Tony Whaling 鈥59 was credited with the vision and wherewithal to initiate the many good works of the Hamilton Initiative.
Denis Cronin 鈥69, chair of 冈本视频鈥檚 Board of Trustees, was visibly moved by the dedicated efforts of so many people, as well as the beauty of the outcome.
鈥淭his building is something of a miracle,鈥 Cronin said, noting the four major aspects of the transformation: new windows that let in natural light, relocation of the bar, more parking space, and, most important, the reconfiguration of the 75-year-old walls.
鈥淭he walls had to be moved,鈥 Cronin said. 鈥淲hy? Because they might talk.鈥 And then he wished for the landmark what everyone was thinking:
鈥淢ay the new generation of listening walls be as good as the last ones.鈥