Sieben's Gift Ensures Lasting Music in King Chapel
 King Chapel, with its soaring main tower, plays prominently in Lois Sieben’s life. That’s why preserving the chapel and refurbishing the Moller organ with its 3,800 pipes are key to her legacy.Mrs. Sieben (class of 1938) majored in music at Cornell College and was widely recognized for organ performance. In the years following graduation, she taught piano and organ and played organ in churches in Wisconsin, New Jersey and Illinois. “My college years were so important to me,” Mrs. Sieben reminisces. “I’m especially fond of King Chapel because I spent so much time there.” Her hours in the chapel were dedicated to tasks both routine and grand. King Chapel was where she rehearsed most days because that’s where the practice organs were. Many mornings she was at the keyboard, playing for convocations. And it was in the King Chapel auditorium that she gave three major organ recitals, one each in her sophomore, junior and senior years. Considering the time she spent there, is it any wonder that King Chapel is where her husband, Dale (class of 1937), surprised her with a diamond engagement ring in the spring of her senior year? King Chapel has long been considered a campus landmark. “It was always such a thrill to be coming into campus and, not too far from Lisbon, catch sight of King Chapel,” Mrs. Sieben sighs. Her generosity, in a cash gift and a charitable gift annuity, goes toward refurbishing the college organ, building the music program and repairing King Chapel. “I want the college organ and King Chapel to live on—beyond my memories— for many, many years to come.” |
