Challey Hall: A New Era for Music Education at NDSU

Fargo, N.D. — North Dakota State University has long been a destination for students pursuing excellence in music. With a legacy of nurturing talent and shaping the future of music education and performance, NDSU proudly announces the renaming of the Reineke Fine Arts Center to Challey Hall, honoring the transformative philanthropic impact of the Robert ’67, ’09 and Sheila ’23 Challey family. The Challeys have had a lifelong connection and legacy to NDSU, providing significant financial support for students, faculty, programs, and now, facilities to the Challey School of Music.

“This is about more than changing the name of a building,” said NDSU President David Cook. “It’s a reflection of the incredible energy within the Challey School of Music. Thanks to the generosity of Bob and Sheila Challey, we’re investing in spaces that inspire creativity, elevate performance, and prepare our students to lead in the world of music.”

Over the past year, Challey Hall has undergone significant renovations to existing space, as well as a 9,700-square-foot addition. The building will better support students and faculty, with upgraded rehearsal and classroom areas, advanced technology, new recording studios, and enhanced performance experiences — all made possible through generous philanthropic support.

In addition, renovations to the existing Music Education Building will modernize interior spaces and update the exterior façade at the prominent corner of Bolley Dr. and 12th Ave. N., creating a more welcoming and inspiring gateway to the arts on campus.

The Challey School of Music serves nearly 160 music majors, offering degrees from bachelor’s to doctorate. Its graduates enrich communities across the region as outstanding K-12 music educators and contribute to the national academic landscape as professors in performance and conducting. The school’s continued growth is vital to both the region and the nation.

Funded entirely through philanthropy, this project reflects the deep commitment of the Challey family to the future of music education at NDSU. Challey Hall stands as a testament to the power of philanthropy and the enduring value of the arts in higher education.

“The Challey family has a proud and storied connection to NDSU, Fargo, and the many students and faculty that have passed through the campus over generations,” Bob and Sheila said in a joint statement. “We are blessed to support our beloved alma mater, and now, by investing in facilities to advance education and performance for our music students.”

As the Challey School of Music enters this exciting new chapter, Challey Hall will serve as a vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration, and excellence — empowering students to shape the future of music for generations to come.

A Challey Hall dedication event will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, on Bolley Dr. and 12th Ave. N. The event will be open to the public.

ABOUT NDSU FOUNDATION

The NDSU Foundation builds enduring relationships that maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support North Dakota State University.

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CONTACT

Sara Wald ’01
Interim Vice President of Alumni and Donor Connections
NDSU Foundation
(701) 231-6832 | 800-279-8971
sara.wald@ndsufoundation.com

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