Approximately 100 students, families, alumni and friends turned out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Dan Byrne ’70 Performing Arts Center on Friday, Dec. 15.
The Dan Byrne ’70 Performing Arts Center was made possible thanks to the generous lead gift of $1 million from CBA alum Dan Byrne in December of 2021. Byrne’s gift is the third largest single gift in the school’s 123-year history.
"This project was only possible through the generosity of our donors, and especially Dan Byrne,” CBA President Matt Keough said. “Dan's sincere love for contributing good to the world through the education of young people is inspirational. He and his wife, Cristine, are special people who truly touch the hearts of our students."
Dan Byrne '70 and his wife, Cristine DeMaio
A dedicated performing arts facility was a high priority need at CBA. The space will complete the campus and serve a broad spectrum of students across curriculums. Performing arts professionals, faculty, and skilled facilities experts were a part of a steering committee which worked together to create this new space which will now accommodate all concerts and musicals at the school. Previously, concerts were held in the school gymnasium, while musicals were brought off campus at local high schools and theatre venues.
President Matt Keough greeting guests
“I am deeply honored to have the new CBA Performing Art Center named after me,” Byrne, who was accompanied by his wife, Cristine DeMaio and son Jacob, along with several family members at the ribbon cutting shared. “This is a very special once-in-a-lifetime project with a very long runway ahead. The new Performing Arts Center will offer our students and families many years of experiences and opportunities to develop their special gifts, gain confidence, and build community.
The Dan Byrne ’70 Performing Arts Center, which has its own entrance, features approximately 300 seats, a state-of-the art sound system and “The Rocklyn Stage.” Lead doners of “The Rocklyn Stage” were Arthur Kanerviko ’87 and Pat Donegan ‘87, owners of the Rocklyn Companies.
The CBA Chorus
The CBA Strings
Lily Barrett '25
"We have amazingly talented students in the arts and across all of the academic disciplines and extracurricular activities,” Keough added. “This project reflects our commitment to the holistic education of our students - developing young people with a devotion to strong character, a passion for becoming their best, and an appreciation for the various gifts of others."
Most Rev. Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, offered his blessing of the new space. Alumni, including Bob Halligan ’71 and David Kenney ’21, along with the CBA chorus, orchestra, band and vocalists performed. Cast members from the Junior High Musical Newsies, also acted out a scene. Dan Manning ’74, lead architect, gave an overview of the project, and Josh Culeton ’24 offered a personal reflection of “what the performing arts center means to him.” Mason Day ’23 was the MC.
David Kenney '21 and Tim Davis, Director of The Band
“One way to get meaning in life is to devote oneself to your community around you and to commit to creating something that gives you a sense of purpose and belonging,” Byrne added. “I am grateful for the support and encouragement that the CBA Syracuse community has given to this project. Congratulations CBA. We now have a state-of-the-art stage and theater. Break a Leg Brothers.”
The Byrne Family
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