Eastern student Vanessa Ruesch thinks Patrick Rheingruber will be fine after time takes its course.

Rheingruber injured his hand after a copper and wood door fell on him and another student in the Dvorak Concert Hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on Nov. 19.

Ruesch, who is Rheingruber’s girlfriend, said the revolving door that is used to control the sound of the organ in the hall fell down while it was being closed.

“After a bit of healing and rest, I’m sure, as (are) his doctors, that he will be fine and able to continue on with his future as a percussionist,” she said. “These things do take time.”

Rheingruber, who was rehearsing for the EIU Symphony Orchestra at the time, was transferred to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield to see a hand specialist after being sent to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon.

The other student, Trent Mason, was released from Sarah Bush with a tooth knocked out and a couple of chipped teeth.

Ruesch said Rheingruber suffered a couple of minor injuries and some lacerations on his left hand.

“No broken bones or anything too drastic,” she said. “Just some stitches.”

Ruesch said she could not elaborate further because of medical confidentiality.

The Illinois Capital Development Board is conducting an inspection of the concert hall.

On Nov. 20, Gary Reed, director of facilities, planning and management, said the result of the inspection should confirm the cause of the accident.

CDB will make the decision to re-open the concert hall following the inspection and will note any necessary repairs or changes to the concert hall, Reed said.

President Bill Perry said the administration would not re-open the concert hall until the administration is convinced it is safe.

“We’re going to have to be convinced by means of analysis and inspection, (and) first-hand observation,” Perry said.

A spokesperson for CDB could not be reached for comment.

Stephen Di Benedetto can be reached at 581-7942 or at [email protected].