PSU receives $10 million gift for fine and performing arts center

Sometimes it takes a single, dramatic action to move a big dream along. That appears to be the case with the dream of building a new fine and performing arts center at Pittsburg State University and the recent announcement of a $10 million gift that is earmarked for that project.

PSU officials announced the anonymous gift, the largest in the university’s history, at a news conference this summer.

“A fine and performing arts building is an important part of the university’s master plan and a big piece of the current $120 million capital campaign,” Tom Bryant, president of Pittsburg State University. “We are extremely grateful to this generous donor for this lead gift toward this project.”

Indeed, a new fine and performing arts facility has been a campus dream almost from the day old Carney Hall was razed nearly 30 years ago. Carney, one of the buildings that formed the core of the early campus, was built in 1919. It included a 3,000-seat auditorium that was the cultural hub of the university.

The rub has always been the cost of replacing Carney Hall, estimated today to be at least $20 million and as much as $30 million.

“That’s a high hurdle to clear with small gifts alone,” said Dr. Brad Hodson, vice president for university advancement.”

A single large gift was needed, Hodson said, because “large single gifts not only move a project along more quickly, they also inspire others to join in a very worthwhile project.”

Bryant praised the donor’s vision and generosity.

“Big dreams depend on people with vision,” Bryant said. “This donor has chosen to invest not only in Pittsburg State University and many generations of students still to come, but also in the cultural life of the community.”

Gene Bicknell, honorary national chairman of the university’s $120 million capital campaign, said the fine and performing arts center is the biggest remaining project in the 10-year campaign.

“We were successful in phase one in raising more than $25 million for scholarships, faculty endowments and international programs,” Bicknell said. "The second phase of the campaign has gone equally well. With today’s announcement, we have raised $95 million toward our $120 million goal. The Kansas Polymer Research Center was completed last year and the student recreation center/armory has just been completed. This fall, the university will break ground on a new student health center. Now our focus is on the fine and performing arts center and a new building for the College of Business. Bit by bit, this campaign is shaping the future of the university.”

To contribute to the fine and performing arts center project or to learn more, contact the Office of Development at 620-235-4768.

---Pitt State---