FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Jodi Pierce, Deb Ahart, Ramona Voskans, Anita Coon, Jean Krebs, Pat Samson, Karlene Bahrens, Mr. Robert D. Pfaltzgraff (Director), Donna Kuehnast, Deb Seargen, Jane Buckendahl, Bonnie Jefson, Jill Jackson, Val Toomer, Deb Pedersen; SECOND ROW: Ellen Johnson, Linda Sharp, Kay Hott, Dawn Isaacs, Lynn McShannon, Kathy Buckingham, Sue Douglas, Becky Wollesen, Pam Olesen, Donna Cunningham, Carol Mount, Mary Lee Stille, Kathy Nabor, Colleen Bjork, Carol Hedberg, Bonnie Vondracek, Rosalie Pierce, Gloria Chesney, Lashelle Else, Sherry Jones, Lori Peterson, Sherry Courtright, Kathy Thompson, Kathy Jones, Teresa Ruter, Wanda Punt, Kathy Leimbert; THIRD ROW: Luis Guzman, Stan Dalhof, Alex Peat, Al Koenecke, Frank Baedke, Larry Beckendorf, John Besore III, Jim Barnett, Dave Dvorak, Dale Stille; FOURTH ROW: Kevin Frank, Mike Cattermole, Rod McIntyre, John Anders, John Fairburn, Bill Anderson, Maynard Ohl, Chet Kiehl, Dan Chan; FIFTH ROW: Kevin Hartwell, Mike Diischer, Mike Pearson, Gene Miller, Gary Weishaar, Ralph Green.

For Rosalie Pierce-Rhodes ’76, Schaller Memorial Chapel is more than a place for musical performances. It is where a once-quiet student found her voice, developed confidence, and formed friendships that have stayed with her for five decades.

Now, through a generous six-year philanthropic commitment, Pierce-Rhodes is helping ensure future generations of Buena Vista University students can create those same meaningful experiences.

Her gift will support a series of improvements to Schaller Memorial Chapel, a longstanding gathering place for the University community and home to countless musical performances, celebrations, and campus events. The investment will help preserve the historic facility while enhancing its accessibility, functionality, and experience for students, performers, and audiences.

When Pierce-Rhodes arrived at Buena Vista, she had a background in instrumental music, having played clarinet and participated in marching band during high school. She had not initially considered joining the college choir, but encouragement from friends led her to audition. The experience became one of the defining parts of her time at Buena Vista.

What began as an opportunity to sing developed into something much more. Through choir, she found a sense of belonging, grew more confident, and discovered the lasting impact of participating in something larger than herself.

“Some of my most meaningful memories from Buena Vista were made in Schaller Chapel. Being part of the choir helped me grow in confidence and gave me friendships and experiences I have carried with me throughout my life. I want today's students, and those who come after them, to have those same opportunities to discover their talents, build confidence, and make memories that last a lifetime.”

The first phase of improvements began in summer 2026, focusing on essential building preservation, including replacing the roof and gutters and removing problematic trees surrounding the facility.

Additional improvements are planned in phases throughout the six-year commitment, with work anticipated during the summer months to minimize disruption to University activities. Future priorities include updated auditorium seating, lighting and sound technology, improvements to restroom accessibility, and potential enhancements to the stage and sound booth.

Together, these improvements will help Schaller Chapel better accommodate the performances, presentations, and gatherings that have made it an important part of campus life for generations.

For Buena Vista University President Brian A. Lenzmeier, Ph.D., Pierce-Rhodes' commitment represents an investment in both the University's history and its future.

“Schaller Chapel has been part of the Buena Vista experience for generations. It is where students have shared their talents, celebrated accomplishments, and built connections that extend far beyond their time on campus. Rosalie's generosity honors that history while ensuring this important space continues to serve our students and community for years to come. We are deeply grateful for her commitment to BVU and the opportunities it will create.”

Pierce-Rhodes' generosity also continues a longstanding family tradition of supporting Buena Vista. Her grandfather, H.A. Pierce, became the first member of the Pierce family to serve on the Buena Vista College Board of Trustees in 1941 and was a significant contributor to the development of the Pierce-White residence halls. Pierce Hall bears his name. That legacy of service continued through her cousin, the late Tim Pierce, who also served on the BVU Board of Trustees, and continues today through Tim's brother, Michael K. Pierce, a current trustee and former chair of the Board.

For Pierce-Rhodes, that legacy of philanthropy is deeply personal. Her commitment to Schaller Chapel reflects not only her appreciation for the experiences that shaped her as a student, but also her belief in preserving the places that bring people together.

She hopes the improvements will help restore and maintain the chapel as a focal point of campus, honoring the building's history while ensuring it remains a welcoming and functional space for future generations.

“Schaller Chapel has meant so much to so many people over the years. My hope is that this gift helps preserve what makes it special while encouraging others to think about the role Buena Vista has played in their own lives. Together, we can help make sure it remains a place where students and the community come together for generations to come.”

Through Pierce-Rhodes' generosity, Schaller Memorial Chapel will continue to connect BVU's past with its future, preserving a place where generations of Beavers have discovered their talents, built friendships, and found a sense of belonging.