A check for nearly $1 million is in hand at Southwestern College after college supporters met the terms of a challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation. The challenge grant provides funding for the key facilities priorities of the college’s Great Performances Campaign capital projects—construction of the Richardson Performing Arts Center and the Richard L. Jantz Stadium.
           
Donors committed almost $5 million for the two projects, with the capping grant provided by the Tulsa foundation.   Gifts committed for the Great Performances Campaign recently topped $15 million. 
           
“We are fired up and ready to start work on the auditorium project,” said president Dick Merriman.  He added, “We’re grateful to the thousands of alumni, parents, friends, businesses, and other organizations that have supported our facilities fund-raising.  When completed, the projects will move the college, and the community, into the first rank in our region.” 
           
Construction of the stadium and renovation of the auditorium coincide with the college’s celebration of its 125th anniversary: Jantz Stadium was dedicated during Homecoming in October 2010, and construction on the performing arts center will begin this month with dedication scheduled for Homecoming 2011.   
           
The auditorium work is part of a larger effort to improve performing arts facilities at the college.  The college plans to create a technical theater center in a remodeled building at the east edge of campus. The center will allow construction of sets, storage of costumes, and other technical work to be done in a large, era-appropriate space.  The college is also refurbishing its large Reuter pipe organ.  The instrument will be reinstalled, along with a new console, in the Richardson Performing Arts Center in fall of 2011.
           
President Merriman applauded the campaign leadership of Richard Jantz and James Farney, who led the stadium fund-drive, and Ken and Madeline Norland of Winfield, who are co-chairs of the performing arts segment of the campaign.  In addition to the campaign’s volunteer leadership, Merriman acknowledged the college’s advancement and communications staff, led by Mike Farrell, vice president for institutional advancement, and Sara Weinert, vice president for communications.
           
“The spirit of a space is so much more than a destination. It is the opportunity for great experiences,” says Madeline Norland. “With Richardson Performing Arts Center and Jantz Stadium, we—the community of Winfield and those who love SC—now have the opportunity for life-enriching times. How lucky we are!”
           
The Mabee Foundation assists religious, charitable, and educational organizations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.  Recent Mabee Foundation grants to Southwestern College have supported the construction of the Beech Science Center and Mabee Laboratories, and the renovation of Mossman Hall.   The college will name the press box of the new stadium in recognition of the Mabee Foundation’s generous and catalytic challenge grant.