South Hall renamed Cathy Barker Office Suites after renovation

A dedication ceremony will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on June 23 in Hillman Hall at Simpson College to unveil a $200,000 renovation project that restored the south wing of Hillman Hall to its former grandeur. The newly renovated offices will be renamed the Cathy Barker Office Suites after 1943 graduate Cathy Wilson Barker. 

Since the original dedication in 1921, the south wing has served many purposes including a dance hall, classrooms and administrative offices. To illustrate his love for his wife Cathy Barker, Richard Barker, also from the class of 1943, was the major donor for the renovation project. He chose to have the south wing renovated since the couple, who now live in El Cajon, Calif., spent much of their time as students together near Hillman Hall. The renovation, which began in late 2005, restores the south wing to include the original vaulted ceiling, high windows and dark wood paneling, and will accommodate the administration offices of alumni relations and college advancement. 

The dedication ceremony begins at 3 p.m. on the second floor of Hillman Hall. At 4 p.m. there will be a program including John Byrd, the president of Simpson, and pianist Merrill Sparks. There will be refreshments served and the ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information, call (515) 961-1600.