Bexley, Ohio — After 35 years of teaching, mentorship, and artistic leadership, Dr. Lynda R. Hasseler, Director of Choral Activities at Capital University, will retire at the end of this summer.
Since joining the faculty in August 1990, Dr. Hasseler has built and sustained a choral program recognized for its artistic excellence, educational depth, and national and international presence. Her leadership has elevated the Chapel Choir and the broader choral program to distinction through countless performances, collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to expressive, high-level artistry.
“Dr. Lynda Hasseler’s retirement marks the culmination of an extraordinary chapter in the life of Capital University,” said Capital President Jared R. Tice, Ed.D. “For more than three decades, she has pursued and embodied artistic excellence at the highest level, shaping not only a premier choral program, but generations of students who have been challenged, refined, and inspired by her exacting standards, remarkable musicianship, and deep devotion to the power of choral art. Under her leadership, the Chapel Choir has achieved distinction well beyond our campus, reflecting her unwavering commitment to beauty, discipline, expression, and excellence. Her legacy will endure in the lives of her students, in the national reputation she helped build, and in the standard of excellence she has set for all who follow.”
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Hasseler fostered a culture of disciplined preparation, ensemble integrity, and meaningful storytelling through music. Her approach to choral artistry (rooted in deep connection to text, sound, and expression) has created performances that transform both singers and audiences.
In addition to her leadership of the choral program, Dr. Hasseler has contributed extensively to the university through committee service, offering a thoughtful and steady voice in shaping Capital’s academic and artistic life. She has also strengthened connections between the university and the broader community through signature programming, including the beloved Christmas Festival, which continues to draw capacity audiences each year.
Her impact extends far beyond the classroom and stage. Over three decades, Dr. Hasseler has enriched Capital’s artistic profile, cultivated lasting partnerships within the Columbus arts community and the national choral field, and mentored generations of students whose work continues her legacy.
In recognition of her extraordinary career, Capital University will host a celebratory event on October 24 during Homecoming Weekend, including a Chapel Choir alumni reunion. The gathering will provide former students, colleagues, and friends an opportunity to honor her work and reconnect with the vibrant community she has built.
Additional details regarding the transition and future plans for the choral program will be shared in the coming months on capital.edu and Capital’s social media platforms.