Following a Baccalaureate Service, the university held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fine Arts building on May 31, 1964. following the Baccalaureate Service. The Whittier Fine Arts Center was completed during the summer of 1965, dedicated on October 17, viewed by visitors at Homecoming on October 23 and had..Read More

The Singing Quakers sang at the New York World’s Fair in June. The fair’s theme that year was “Peace Through Understanding;” it featured exhibitions designed by NASA, the debut of Walt Disney’s ‘It’s a Small World’ ride, and even the world’s largest cheese.

The Singing Quakers took on a European concert tour in July, making them the first choir from Wichita to ever tour abroad. The 43-member ensemble, plus a faculty vocal quartet participated in the International Music Eisteddfod (festival) in Wales and continued concerts in London, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy and France.

The Singing Quakers were invited to appear at the White House Christmas Pageant of Peace. The ceremony included Christmas selections by the U.S. Marine Band, a performance by the Singing Quakers and an address by President Nixon. The pageant was carried live by all major radio and television networks within..Read More

Carl and Dixie Sebits gave the university $3 million to expand the science, jazz and ballet programs. A one-story addition to the north and west of William Penn Science building added 12,000 square feet for laboratories, classrooms, offices, storage areas and a workroom. A one-story addition to the east side..Read More

A year after the pandemic’s surge, the university hosted in-person music and theatrical performances once again.

Kansas Public Television televised the annual Christmas Candlelight Concerts in December. A collection of ensembles including Friends University Singing Quakers, bands, orchestra and student dancers performed.

In April 2022, Dr. Carey announced phase two of the RISE Up Capital Campaign: Our Next Act. This phase would seek to renovate and expand the Riney Fine Arts Center, starting off the $7 Million project with a $2 Million donation toward a new chapel.