
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 12, 1992                   TAG: 9203120206
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-7   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Short

SYMPOSIUM CANCELED AFTER PATRON'S DEATH

Radford University officials have canceled the African Art Symposium, scheduled for April 2-4, following the death of Roger de la Burde, a major patron of the university.

De la Burde died March 5 from a gunshot wound to the head at his Powhatan estate.

Charles Wood, executive assistant to Radford University President Donald Dedmon, said de la Burde was "a moving force" in the university's development efforts and a benefactor who matched the university with other prominent supporters.

The Corinna de la Burde Sculpture Court at Radford is named in honor of de la Burde's daughter, a 1984 graduate.

De la Burde's exhibit of his family's collection of Nigerian artwork was to have been the focal point of the symposium. He also was scheduled to speak at the event.

The exhibit and all lectures have been cancelled. Some cultural events planned in conjunction with the festival will continue, however.

O.J. Ekemode and his Afrobeat band will perform in concert April 3 and the Black Awareness Programming Board at the university will feature more music by Ekemode, along with displays of African clothing, jewelry, art, books and music, April 3 and 4 in Heth Hall.

by CNB