Alumnus Makes Naming Gift for New Recital Hall at Washburn

    Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University announced today it has received the naming gift for its new recital hall on campus from alumnus James Hurd. Construction on the new space, located just east of the Rita Blitt Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden, will begin in 2024.

    Hurd started playing the pipe organ at Calvary Baptist Church in Topeka, which was pastored by his father, Rev. E. Bernard Hurd, Sr., and his parents encouraged him to attend Washburn. After graduating with his bachelor of music degree in 1967, he received his master of music degree from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and his doctor of music degree at the University of Southern California. Since 1973, he has served on the faculty of El Camino College as a professor of piano, organ and music appreciation. He has performed as an organ soloist in cathedrals and churches worldwide.

    The recital hall will serve as a dynamic space for community and student groups to perform at their best. The 175-seat and approximately 9,100 square foot space will provide a flat surface to allow for continuous transformation of the room based on the performance, a more intimate setting for recitals and ensembles, leading-edge technology for artists to record their music and state-of-the-art acoustics.

    “The recital hall will be a welcoming space on campus for Washburn students and community groups to perform in a smaller but more technologically advanced and intimate venue,” said JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn. “We look forward to honoring James’ musical legacy and are thankful for his support of Washburn’s music programs and this vital space for community events.”

    Hurd, who will retire next month after 50 years of teaching at El Camino College, said when he was searching for a way of giving back to Washburn that would commemorate his career as a music educator, he reflected on his own professors at Washburn, specifically Max Elsberry. 

    “When I was a student, as I was leaving campus one day, it dawned on me that I wanted to do the exact same thing Professor Elsberry was doing – teaching on a college campus, giving organ lessons and performing concerts,” Hurd said. “That’s what I have found myself doing, and it has brought a lot of joy to me. I thought it would be nice to return some thanks by giving this gift in memory of the professors who took a lot of care in their teaching and who inspired myself and so many others.”

    In retirement, he plans to continue working with churches and performing concerts. Previously, Hurd had helped Washburn fund the repair of the bells on the iconic Kuehne Bell Tower in the center of campus.

    “When we meet with alumni, we so often hear about the great relationship between faculty and students, and it is always special when people give back for the education they received,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. “For years, James has shared a vision with Washburn on the importance of music, and we are thankful for his commitment in helping us making this space a reality for future musicians.”

    In addition to the Alumni Fellow award he received in 2015 from Washburn for his achievements in music, The First Presbyterian Church of Inglewood, California, awarded Hurd the status of “A Living Legacy” following his 23 years as the church’s organist and music director, a title he now also holds at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Redondo Beach, California. In 2018, he also received an Excellence in Arts Award from the Torrance Cultural Arts Commission.

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