October 1, 2024

We thank The Columbusite for authoring this article and helping celebrate "REXFEST" with us.

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On Sunday, Oct. 6, a concert is being performed at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in honor of L. Rexford Whiddon, Columbus State University's senior associate vice president for leadership philanthropy & strategic initiatives.

The concert, which has been given the name 'REXFEST', begins at 4 p.m. in Legacy Hall. It is free to attend, but online reservations are required.

The special performance has been coordinated to celebrate the occasion of Whiddon's 80th birthday. Additionally, in recognition of the momentous occasion, the L. Rexford & Lynn K. Whiddon Special Initiative Fund has been established as a tribute to the lives and legacy of Rex and his late wife Lynn Whiddon. The purpose of the new Special Initiative Fund is to provide funding for special projects that will advance the Joyce & Henry School as a top-tier music school internationally.

Whiddon has been a lifelong advocate for the arts in Columbus. In addition to working for Columbus State, he has championed the advancement of the arts by leading and participating in major development campaigns, and has served on the boards of multiple arts organizations during his extensive career.

Much of Whiddon's life has been spent working toward the growth and development of the university's Joyce & Henry Schwob School of Music and its College of the Arts. In addition, he spent decades serving alongside his wife in support of her effort to provide increased musical opportunities for young people in the community. Out of this dream, Lynn Whiddon (pictured with Rex) founded and supported the growth of the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus until her death in 2018.

The impact of the Whiddons is wholly inestimable, as their efforts have touched many of the largest arts initiatives in Columbus during the last five decades. It is because of this that the new L. Rexford & Lynn K. Whiddon Special Initiative Fund has been created at Columbus State.

Throughout his career, Whiddon has worked with numerous colleagues who were eager to share their admiration of his impact.

“Rex Whiddon is a whirlwind of creative programs and music,” said Dr. Frank Brown, president emeritus and the university's third president. “His leadership in the Schwob School of Music and his connections throughout the region led the way for the growth and prominence of CSU's arts programs and its production of artists who are now spreading their wings in many and varied areas. A casual stroll along Broadway, at the intersection of 10th Street in the heart of CSU's RiverPark Campus, will convince even the most casual observer that something is 'in the air' in this magical place. The growth and depth of the Schwob School of Music can be traced back to many educators and artists who have labored in the field of the 'beauty of the arts,' and prominent among them is the name of Rex Whiddon.”

When asked about Whiddon's impact in anticipation of his 80th birthday celebration, many of his current colleagues were happy to share about his influence on the university overall.

“Rex Whiddon is a consummate professional who has shared his love of music and his vision for Columbus State University with our community for more than 50 years,” said Catherine Trotter, a development officer and coworker. “He has been instrumental in the growth and development of Columbus State, always emphasizing that an investment in the university is an investment in the community. It is a privilege to be his colleague.”

Dr. Scott Harris, director and Barbara C. & Clifford J. Swift III Distinguished Chair of the Schwob School of Music, has worked with Whiddon for many years.

“So many of the artistic pillars we enjoy at the Schwob School of Music are the direct result of Rex Whiddon's decades of servant leadership in cultivating a generous community and connecting it with a music program that has grown in distinction year by year,” Harris said. “The university, the city, and the musical world at large owe him a debt of gratitude, and a mighty chorus of 'Happy Birthday!' We look forward to the coming years of artistic excellence that Rex will enjoy alongside everyone who benefits from his work and vision.”

Schwob School of Music faculty members also hold Whiddon and his devotion to the school in high esteem.

“Rex Whiddon has been one of the main drivers for the success of the Schwob School of Music over my 25-plus years on the faculty,” said Dr. Bradley Palmer, professor of trombone and coordinator of brass studies. “I believe we would quite literally not be where we are without his dedication to Schwob. He has been a friend of the community and of the Schwob School of Music from well before we moved into RiverCenter, and continues to this day to be one of our strongest advocates to the public.”

The Whiddon family is ecstatic to see its patriarch honored with 'REXFEST' and grateful the new special initiative fund will honor their late mother too.

“My siblings and I grew up hearing my father talk about his vision for Columbus's music scene at the dinner table,” said the Whiddons' daughter, Caroline Whiddon. “The current success of the Schwob School and the realities of the world-class facilities at the RiverCenter? These are things my dad was dreaming up decades ago, starting in the 70s.”

When asked about her father's legacy, Caroline was intentional to discuss her mother's impact on the arts as well.

“While dad has always been the dreamer in the family, my mom approached things from a practical viewpoint,” she said. “Mom was focused on the here and now—always asking, 'what is the logical next step to create musical opportunities for young people in the community?' Those dinner table conversations revolved around providing good private lesson teachers and building solid infrastructure for the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus as we know it today.
 
“My dad knows that when he describes a compelling vision for the future, people will share his dreams,” she continued. “His dreams are always about great music and art. This is the stuff that makes life worth living, and it's what dad has always wanted for the people of Columbus. At the age of 80, my father is still making plans for bigger and better things for Columbus's arts scene. He has spent more than 50 years pouring his blood, sweat and tears into Columbus's arts scene. His life's work has been about celebrating other people, so this birthday feels like a great time to finally put the spotlight on him."