Ticket Refunds and Exchanges
Ticket refunds and exchanges are not available; however; unused tickets may be returned to the box office prior to the show in exchange for a receipt which entitles you to a tax deduction.

Lost Tickets
Contact the Box Office Manager. A voucher will be issued for the seat location of the original subscription ticket.

Special Needs
The Box Office can accomodate special needs such as wheelchair seating, hearing assistive devices, audio description, or sign interpretation. Please notify the Box Office Manager when purchasing your advance ticket.

Parking
Free Parking is available on the Shawnee State lots, located at Third and Gay Streets, Third and Sinton Streets, and behind the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center. Parking is also available on municipal lot at Fourth and Gay Street.

Memberships
Membership donations of $35 or more entitles you to advance notification of special events prior to public announcement, discounts on special event tickets, seat changes and replacement tickets at no charge, invitations to pre-concert lectures and other special concert-related activities.  Subscribers receive priority seating to most events in addition to the above mentioned benefits.  For more information call the Center's administrative office at 740.351.3622.

Volunteers
The Volunteer Program offers you a chance to be a part of the many great events at the Center. Volunteer opportunities include ushering, leading tours, and helping with office work. If you wish to volunteer at the Center, call the administrative office at 740.351.3622.

Vern Riffe dedicated his life to public service. He grew up in New Boston, Ohio, where his father, Vernal G. Riffe, Sr., was active in government, serving as policeman, safety director, and mayor. When Vern returned from military service, his father enthusiastically supported his son's desire to attain public office. Vern was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1958, his tenure spanned 36 years and 18 consecutive terms. In January 1991 he was longest serving member of the House. Chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives by his peers in 1975, he served for the next twenty years in that role--the longest in the history of the Ohio House of Representatives.

The length of Mr. Riffe's career and countless commendations and awards failed to adequately describe the impact he had in Ohio. He set standards which established the new era of professionalism in Ohio government. His exemplary performance became a model, transforming service in the House of Representatives from a part-time endeavor to a full-time, highly skilled profession that delivered billions of dollars back to the public.

The improvement of life for the citizens of Ohio was the Speaker's life-time goal, which he worked tirelessly and selflessly to fulfill. A portion of Mr. Riffe's dedication and commitment is reflected in the fact that Shawnee State University was established on July 2, 1986. This institution, which has enriched this community and the lives of its students, faculty, and staff, is an example of his services in the Ohio House of Representatives.

The Speaker's retirement from politics in December 1994 was short-lived for he established the governmental consulting firm of Vern Riffe and Associates in Columbus. In addition, he was the president of Vern Riffe Insurance, Inc., located in New Boston, Ohio.

Unfortunately, in 1997, Mr. Riffe passed away. Because of his dedication to Ohio, Shawnee State University is able to keep his honor growing with each concert in the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Mr. Riffe is survived by his lovely wife, Thelma, four children--Cathy, Verna K., Mary Beth, and "Skip"(Vernal III)--and seven grandchildren.

In recognition of the important role Shawnee State University played by former Speaker Vern Riffe, the Board of Trustees established the Vernal G. Riffe, Jr. Founders' Medal. The award shall be given periodially by action of the Board to individuals who provide extraordinary service to Shawnee State University.

In addition to this central criterion, people so honored shall possess the attributes demonstrated by Speaker Riffe during his illustrious 36-year career in the Ohio House of Representatives: sustained dedication to providing education opportunity to Southern Ohio; commitment to public service through personal efforts; and substantial investment of time, talent, or money that assists Shawnee State University in meeting its mission.

There is little doubt that without the guidance, energy, enthusiasm, and shepherding of Vernal G. Riffe, Jr., Shawnee State University would not exist to serve the people of Southern Ohio. For these, and many other reasons, the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees awarded the first Vernal G. Riffe, Jr., Founders' Medal and the Title of Founder Emeritus to Vernal G. Riffe, Jr.