ABOUT JEFFERSON CENTER

Jefferson Center was created in 1989 by a special task force that partnered with Roanoke City Council to renovate rather than demolish Jefferson Senior High School. The mission of Jefferson Center was to re-establish the 121,000-square-foot building into a multi-use cultural center for community enrichment. Today Jefferson Center enriches lives through shared experiences by delivering premier live performances, transformative educational opportunities, and providing a special place for the community.

OUR MISSION

Our Vision: To ensure a culturally enriched community.

Our Mission: Provide broad access to inspirational performing arts experiences, transformational arts education opportunities, and vibrant community space.

Our Values: Jefferson Center’s work will be guided by a commitment to:

  • Service: At the core of our work is the belief that we serve others.
  • Gratitude: We practice being thankful for the opportunity to serve our mission and our diverse community.
  • Integrity: We believe in the value of hard work and ethical decision-making.
  • Innovation: We believe that we are responsible for creating and implementing solutions that help us meet our mission.
  • Authenticity: We don’t pretend to be more or perform less than our potential.
  • Quality: We believe that work that is worth doing should be done well.
  • Compassion: We believe in caring for others with kindness, openness, and mutual respect.

Statement on Diversity

Jefferson Center is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, and patrons feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias.

We’re committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for board membership, employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.

We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our board and leadership and we strive to listen to their views and give them value.

We’re committed to modeling diversity, inclusion, and equity in our programming.

Our goals to provide informed leadership for diversity, inclusion, and equity include:

  • We will strive to see diversity, inclusion, and equity in connection with our vision and mission for the benefit of those we serve.
  • We aim to recognize and address inequities in our policies, programs, and services.
  • We will update and document progress on our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
  • We promise to investigate underlying assumptions that interfere with our diversity policy.
  • We commit to awareness of systemic inequities that impact our work at the board level and address it according to this policy and in accordance with our mission.
  • We commit to challenging commonly accepted notions about what constitutes strong leadership within our organization.
  • We commit to being transparent about diversity in all our interactions.
  • We will dedicate our time and resources to expanding greater diversity within our board and leadership positions.
  • We commit to leading with respect and tolerance and we encourage all employees and volunteers to express this in their work within our organization.

JEFFERSON CENTER HISTORY

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL – THE BEGINNING

Originally constructed in 1922, Jefferson High School served as Roanoke’s largest high school for half a century.

It was in 1919 that the School Board began plans to build Jefferson High and the site on Campbell Avenue was purchased for $147,000 in 1922.  Architect H. Coursy Richards employed a Tudor Revival-style popular at the time and Jefferson High School opened its doors to 1,000 students in 1924. The first class to graduate was in 1925 and the last in 1974.  From 1924 to 1974 the school graduated over 19,000 students.

The bottom floor was mostly for vocational classes. The second floor contained all academic classrooms, the principal’s office, the main office, the auditorium, gymnasium and entrance vestibule. The library, balcony, and chemistry and physics laboratories were located on the third floor.

The auditorium – now Shaftman Performance Hall – modeled after a popular 17th century “shoe box” English opera house design, showcased solid wood paneling, impressive balcony, classic appointments and outstanding acoustics.  Because the city had no civic center, the auditorium was built larger with the intent of using it for community events and concerts, and in fact hosted such greats as Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra conductor Leonard Bernstein and operatic tenor Enrico Caruso.

The school was closed in 1974 but operated as Jefferson Hall under Patrick Henry High School until 1975.  From then until its final closing in 1979 it housed a variety of offices.  From 1979 until 1985 the 112,000 square foot building – though still structurally sound – deteriorated badly and was severely vandalized.

JEFFERSON HIGH – FROM SHABBY TO CHIC

In the late 1970’s the once majestic Jefferson High School was a decaying skeleton of its former self and, despite its glorious past, the structure was nearly demolished. It was home only to pigeons.

In 1985, Roanoke City Council appointed a citizen’s committee, mostly of Jefferson High graduates, to determine the future of the iconic building.  After two years of extensive research – and weighing the option of demolishing the structure – the committee ultimately recommended that the building become a center to house nonprofit organizations involved in the performing arts, education and social services.

In 1989 the Jefferson Center Foundation was established led by the late Judge Beverly T. Fitzpatrick Sr. and so the fund raising efforts began.

To rehabilitate the building and establish the Center would require $5 million. Through a public-private partnership with the City – with funds from a bond referendum – the City committed $3 million to the restoration project with the understanding that the other $2 million would first come from individuals, businesses and corporations in a vigorous fund raising campaign.

NEW BEGINNINGS – PHASE I

The first phase of renovation converted the classrooms into offices, added air conditioning, stabilized the rest of the building, and added an atrium (Fralin Atrium) to the second level.  This provided first class space for nonprofit organizations in one venue, eliminated duplicate overhead expenses and saved a valuable building.  This renovation model served as a template for other cities across the country, many of which have come to Jefferson Center to see how it was done. Roanoke won its 5th All-American City award using Jefferson Center as one of three innovative projects where local business, government, and nonprofit organizations collaborate to improve the lives of their community’s residents.

Throughout the renovation project, Jefferson Center Foundation remained committed to preserving the architectural integrity while bringing its technical components into the 21st century. The building has been completely restored and retained the sculptured ceilings and original marble and terrazzo floors. It continues to provide office space to a diverse group of nonprofit organizations.

Fralin Atrium is named in honor of Horace Fralin a Jefferson High School graduate, principal in Fralin & Waldron and major donor to Jefferson’s renovation.

FITZPATRICK HALL – PHASE II

A $30,000 gift from Rosalie and Sydney Shaftman, in commemoration of Rosalie’s brother Joel, equipped the full commercial kitchen that is part of Fitzpatrick Hall’s convenient amenities.

In 1995, at a cost of $630,000 Fitzpatrick Hall, named in honor of Judge Fitzpatrick, opened for community events, weddings, receptions, meetings and conferences.

It was the automobile repair shop that was ultimately transformed into the now beautiful Fitzpatrick Hall.  Remodeling began in 1994 when the high ceiling that accommodated the hydraulic lifts in the repair shop was lowered by 10 or so feet and chandelier lighting was installed.  The completion of Fitzpatrick Hall in 1995 added an impressive dimension to the facilities at Jefferson Center.

SHAFTMAN PERFORMANCE HALL – PHASE III

The auditorium sat dark until 1997 when the Board of Directors launched another campaign to renovate the space.  Again, with a public-private partnership, the City of Roanoke committed $2 million to the project with the understanding the other $3 million be raised by the Foundation from supporters of Jefferson Center.  The project met with tremendous support from individuals and families, Jefferson High School alumni, corporations and private foundations.

The original estimate of $5 million for the auditorium increased to $9 million as construction problems and equipment costs increased dramatically. Throughout the $9 million renovation project Jefferson Center Foundation remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving the architectural authenticity of the hall, named in honor of Rosalie and Sydney Shaftman.

Consistent with the goals to be a first class performance facility, Jefferson Center boasts elegant finishes and decorations.  Existing marble, wood-panel, and cast-plaster finishes were completely refurbished.  The auditorium chairs, once unadorned and wooden, are now luxurious seats of cherry wood with plush velvet cushions.  Loges and chandeliers recall the spirit of an old-world opera house.

Technical components brought Shaftman Performance Hall into the 21st century and include an orchestra lift, expanded stage area and a sound system that can be customized to acoustically profile the performer’s needs.  Dozens of strategically placed speakers disperse audio around the room to ensure symmetry of sound no matter where the seat.  At considerable expense the roof was raised 22-feet to create an 65-foot tower that houses impressive stage rigging.

With the May 2001 opening of Shaftman Performance Hall, Jefferson Center became the significant cultural asset envisioned by many to create something special from the once abandoned, yet historically important, Jefferson High School.  Jefferson Center has achieved an important objective of stabilizing the neighborhood and providing the underpinnings for revitalization of the Downtown West area. The rebirth of this magnificent performance hall was made possible by the steadfast support of the City of Roanoke as well as the gifts of generous individuals and families, Jefferson High School alumni, Roanoke Valley businesses, and private foundations throughout the Commonwealth.

Heidi Krisch and Warner Dalhouse served as Campaign Cochairs for the $9 million renovation of the auditorium.

Jefferson Center Foundation was presented the 2002 AIA Award for Preservation of Shaftman Performance Hall, the highest award presented by the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects.

Shaftman Performance Hall is the finishing touch for the transformation into a multipurpose cultural community center.  Not only is the Performance Hall another addition to the cultural attractions rarely found in a metropolitan area the size of Roanoke, it is a model of the success that can be achieved when local business, government, and nonprofit organizations collaborate to improve the lives of the community’s residents.

JEFFERSON CENTER HISTORY TIMELINE

1924   Jefferson High School opens

1924 – 1974   Jefferson High School graduates over 19,000 students1974Jefferson High School closes

1974 – 1975   The building operates as Jefferson Hall under Patrick Henry High

1975 – 1979   The building is used to house the Elementary Education Center, Teenage Mothers Program, and several offices from the School Administration Building

1979   The building closes
1985   Roanoke Citizen’s Committee formed Chaired by Judge Beverly T. Fitzpatrick, Sr.

1985 – 1987   Committee explores possible uses for the building

1989  Jefferson Center Foundation established

  • Judge Fitzpatrick elected Chairman of the Foundation Board of  Directors.
  • Campaign goal of $5 million set to fund restoration of the building  excluding the auditorium and shops

1989 -1992   Phase I fundraising begins

  • The Foundation raises the required $2 million from individuals, businesses, and private foundations
  • Through a bond referendum, the city of Roanoke commits  $3 million toward the project

1992   Phase I – conversion of classrooms into office spaces  –  construction begins.  Fralin Atrium is also added

1993   Phase I complete – Jefferson Center Opens

  • Twenty-one nonprofit tenants take up residence at Jefferson Center
  • Fralin Atrium is made available as a rental space for social, business and civic events

1994  Phase II – renovations of the automobile shops commence to create Fitzpatrick Hall at Jefferson Center

  • $630,000 renovation made possible by a contribution from the City  of Roanoke and a gift from Rosalie and Sydney Shaftman

1995   Phase II complete – Fitzpatrick Hall opens

1997   Phase III – campaign begins for renovation of High School auditorium to create Shaftman Performance Hall

  • Original Campaign goal, based on early architectural estimates,   $5 million
  • Through a bond referendum, the City of Roanoke contributes $2 million toward the project while the Foundation raises $3 million
  • Costs increase from $5 million to $9 million.  City contributes an  additional $800,000, Capital Campaign raises the balance
  • Rosalie and Sydney Shaftman make leadership gift to the campaign

1999   Phase III – construction begins

May 12, 2001   Phase III complete – Shaftman Performance Hall Opens

  • Under party tents on Luck Avenue, over 700 supporters celebrate  the opening and enter the Hall for the first time

May 17 – 24, 2001   Opening Week of Shaftman Performance Hall

  • Performances included inaugural concert by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, three productions of Opera Roanoke’s Carmen, the Roanoke Ballet Theatre’s Boogie Woogie Ballet, and Jefferson Center’s presentations of Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Company and the Dukes of Dixieland
  • The Gallery at Jefferson Center also opened with the regional High School Art Show

Judge Beverly T. Fitzpatrick was a 1939 graduate of Jefferson High. The Foundation Board included Jefferson High alumni and other interested citizens including Elizabeth Bowles, Horace Fralin, Gordon Willis, Don Smith, Warner Dalhouse, and Rosalie Krisch Shaftman.

OUR TEAM

Cyrus Pace

Executive Director

When the1920’s era Jefferson High School was saved from demolition and transformed into the arts center you know today, organizers stayed focused on managing the space respectfully and efficiently, giving this region every opportunity to host sustainable, community productions in a one-of-a-kind venue. That focus continues today with hundreds of events such as regional concerts, graduations, community theater productions, opera performances, business retreats, and many more.

Jefferson Center is an outstanding example of a non-profit that has successfully navigated a public/private collaboration and in turn delivers tangible results for your community. Wise investments and thoughtful donations have led to enumerable memories, broad community revitalization, and a cultural vitality that makes people proud to call Western Virginia their home.

Cyrus's Signature

Cyrus Pace, Executive Director at Jefferson Center

Kimberly Billings

Director - Operations

John Bingham

Senior Director - Finance

Jamie Cheatwood

Programming

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Production Manager

Bambi Godkin

Patron Services Manager

Ian Hancock

Technical Director

Aaron Kelderhouse

Director - Marketing

Haley Otey

Development Associate

Chris Tucker

Event Specialist

Brian Waites

Education Manager

Jim Fields

Facilities Manager

Dr. Tonia Socha-Mower

Senior Director of Development

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Whit Ellerman

Chair

Owner, Cardinal Bicycle

Richard Socha-Mower

Vice-Chair

Chief Lending Officer, Member One Federal Credit Union

Mark S. Lawrence

Treasurer

Vice President - Governmental and External Affairs, Carilion Clinic

Sharon Burnham

Secretary of the Board

Asst. US Attorney, Retired

DIRECTORS

Greg Brock

CEO, Firefli

Bo Frith

Attorney, Frith, Ellerman, & Davis

Todd Leeson

Partner, Gentry Locke Attorneys

Liz Long

Editor, Roanoker, Virginia Travel Guide, Bridebook

Rob Mangus

Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Bank

Bryan Musselwhite

Senior VP, Poe & Cronk

Dr. Michael Nussbaum

Senior Vice President and Chair of Surgery, Carilion Clinic

Malcolm Quigley

Lead, Strategic Partnerships, Population Services International

Marjorie Tenzer

Vice President, IBM, Retired

Sam Worthington

Founder, Coaxn Strategies

Sarah Parker

Chair of Health Systems and Implementation Science at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

DIRECTORS EMERITUS

Warner Dalhouse

Board Member, Hometown Bank

Susan P. Frantz

President/Owner, Personal Best, Inc

Edwin C. Hall

Hall Associate, Inc

Heidi Krisch

Community Leader

Tyler Pugh

Community Leader

ALUMNI

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL 1924-1974

Second Annual Fall Alumni and Family Gathering

Saturday, sept 24
11:00AM - 4:00PM

Lunch catered by STAR CITY CATERING and served 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

LIVE
MUSIC

BUILDING
TOURS

MEMORABILIA
ROOM OPEN

TRIPS DOWN
MEMORY LANE

50/50
RAFFLE

SILENT
AUCTION

Band will play in loop off of Luck Avenue…bring lawn chair for outside seating and enjoyment.
Lunch will be served inside Fitzpatrick Hall.
Bring your family members and share your high school memories with them!

Cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple.
RSVP’s requested no later than Monday, September 19, 2022

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD
REGISTRATION FORM

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

We had a wonderful time at the 3rd Annual Fall Alumni Gathering.
Enjoy the photos below to get a glimpse of all the fun and festivities!


Group photo of the Alumni Committee

Jefferson Senior High School
2021-22 Alumni Committee Members:

Vicki Wray – Chair – ‘64
Brenda Campbell – ‘66
Harold Castleman – ‘66
Rita Enoch (Powell) – ‘67
Judy Harrison – ‘66
Verlyne Simmons Key – ‘60
Julia Parker – '73
Kathy Patten – ‘69
Susanne Payne – ‘65
Calvin O. Wilkerson – ‘60

the Jefferson Senior High School Memorabilia Room

Volunteer curators are on-site the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month between 9:30am and 12:30pm working to catalog and display donated items.Come visit us – we welcome visitors and donations!
Call Development Associate, Haley Otey, at 540-685-2304 if you have questions regarding donations of alumni memorabilia.

Memorabilia Room PhotoMemorabilia Room Photo

A special thank you to Brenda Campbell ’66 and Kathy Patten ’69
for their dedication to maintaining the Memorabilia Room.

Want to keep up with the
Alumni of Jefferson Senior High School?

JOIN "OLD TIMERS" ON FACEBOOK

VOLUNTEERS

Group Photo of Volunteers

Jefferson Center’s volunteer program has grown to nearly 200 active participants who donated 2,264 hours of essential services valued at more than $61,580. This vital service enables us to keep tickets and programs financially accessible and our staff size small. Center volunteers range in ages from 9 through 80+. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our growing organization, filling a need that would otherwise be impossible to meet.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE

SHAFTMAN PERFORMANCE HALL EVENT STAFF

Ticket takers, ushers, greeters, merchandise and concessions, and Box Office assistance

OFFICE SUPPORT

Processing mailings (folding, stuffing, labeling, stamping, hand addressing), general office support, filing, telephones, and administrative assistance

SPECIAL EVENTS

Assist with receptions, parties, open houses, and special events.

DEVELOPMENT

Assist with administrative projects, fundraising events, special projects, database management, thanking donors, leveraging community connections, and promoting sponsorship opportunities for programming and education

Odds and ends

You’ve got the time? We’ve got the opportunities!

An interview and tour of the facility is required as a part of the process and training. To volunteer, or for more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator by emailing volunteer@jeffcenter.org or sending a message through our contact page.

CONTACT US

RESIDENT PARTNERS

Jefferson Center’s mission includes providing space to regional non-profits and other community organizations at incredibly low rates, allowing the 20+ organizations that call Jefferson Center home the ability to concentrate on fulfilling their individual missions, rather than a focus on capital concerns.

TENANT NAME and Suite Number

New Vista Montessori School
100, 109, 110
The Awakened Group/Skip Brown
125
Christ Our Redeemer Community Church
140
Roanoke Valley Cable Television - RVTV Channel 3
145
Commonwealth Uniserv Dist. C aka Virginia Education Association Dist 5
205
Insights and Inspiration LLC
209 A
iNSPIR
209 B
Jefferson Center Foundation
221
Local Colors
228
Children’s Trust of Roanoke Valley
230
Capitol Environmental Services, Inc.
300
American Financial Planning
304
Emerson Graham & Associates/ CODEcheck Consulting
307
Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway
310
Junior League of Roanoke Valley, Virginia, Inc.
317
Segars Engineering
318
Music Lab
325

EMPLOYMENT

CURRENT POSITIONS

Please use the button below to see postings of all positions we are currently accepting application for.

SEE ALL ACTIVE AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Jefferson Center is a nonprofit organization that enriches and educates diverse Southwest Virginia communities by producing high quality performing and visual arts programs, as well as maintaining educational programs like the Music Lab for musically minded teens.

Jefferson Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages the recruitment and retention of qualified candidates for all positions. Jefferson Center encourages members of all diverse groups to seek employment with us.