As in prior years, the students at Saturday’s gala painted and acted and danced and sang their hearts out. As in prior years, there were lamb lollipops, German bier cheese dip and many desserts.
But what was different this time around was the brand new Creative Arts Center.
“It’s a world-class transformation,” said W. Stuart McDowell, chair and artistic director for the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures. “It’s worthy of a major, major public university. The facilities have now caught up with our students and faculty.”
McDowell added: “I’ve been waiting for this for 22 years.”
A record number of patrons were present to celebrate a new art gallery, dance studio and stage combat room.
“Literally an hour before the event, I sold the 900th ticket,” said Jennie Buckwalter, ArtsGala chair and assistant dean for Community and Student Engagement for the College of Liberal Arts. “We've raised more dollars and corporate sponsorships than ever before.”
“What this is going to create for the kids at Wright State is unbelievable,” said Roger Sutherland, co-chair of the gala. “One of the most inspiring things is to see tears come to the eyes of students who received sholarships.”
"It's amazing," added co-chair Lois Sutherland.
In addition to community support, actor Tom Hanks and Amanda Wright Lane, the great-grandniece of aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright, have led a $150 million campaign supporting the university's arts programs.
Hanks, who performed at WSU in Shakespeare's “The Two Gentlemen from Verona” while on tour in 1978, will be in town April 19 to help dedicate the newly renovated Tom Hanks Motion Pictures Center. “He’s going to be blown away,” McDowell said. “We have a facility for the 21st century, and I think he’s going to be quite, quite happy.”
A one-of-a-kind event in Dayton, the annual gala showcases the talent of WSU’s arts students. The evening featured scenes from the Broadway classic “The Music Man,” a student film festival, the Wind Symphony performing Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” live sculpting and painting and more.
One of the many treats during the evening was scenes from Puccini's comedy opera “Gianni Schicchi” as well as other “Great Moments in Opera.”
“I love meeting all the patrons,” said WSU junior Nicole Collins, who performed the role of La Ciesca in “Gianni Schicchi.” “I have great opportunities here.”
Singing a goose-bump inducing rendition of “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” was Nikita Taggart. “I love the energy when we get to share our talents with the people who enjoy music as much as we do,” said the masters student, who plans to pursue a doctorate in music therapy. “I feel like I can help people through music.”
McDowell estimated that upwards of 300 students as well as 100 faculty members behind the scenes were on hand to make Saturday's ArtsGala an unforgettable experience. Whitney Manfreda, a senior pursuing a BFA with a concentration in printmaking, was demonstrating her craft in the new gallery. Not only has she participated in ArtsGala, but knows first-hand the results of the fundraising gala. "I was lucky enough to get a scholarship," she said.
There is much to see during ArtsGala. “Cafe Jazz and the art gallery were my favorite hangouts,” said Laura Mercer, who attended the event for the first time. Added the director of Research, Analytics and Reporting at Sinclair Community College: “Sinclair and Wright State are highly collaborative in our efforts to support the success of students in our region. More Sinclair students transfer to Wright State than any other four-year institution.”
A solid education prepares students for life after college. “I'm very appreciative of people who come and support the program,” said Keaton Eckhoff, a graduating senior musical theater major who entertained guests by dancing, singing and playing the guitar like Elvis in “Broadway Show Stoppers.”
Eckhoff will perform this summer at Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw, Indiana, then spend 6 months performing on a Carnival Cruise ship to save money before moving to New York to pursue his dreams.
In addition to student entertainment, a silent auction offered more than 175 items. “The community stepped up to the plate and came through with many gifts,” McDowell said.
ArtsGala is also known for a grand assortment of food. Served at the VIP Reception were crab cake sliders, gruyere pecan basil cheese crisps and tandoori chicken. The opening reception in the Stein Galleries included fig and goat cheese crostini, asparagus in baked phyllo and chicken and spinach mushroom puffs. Other areas featured sweet potato wrapped in peppered bacon, artichoke beignets, beef tenderloin roulade, herb roasted lamb lollipops and roasted garlic smashed potatoes.
Besides wine and bourbon tastings, a martini lounge and a cigar tent, desserts were in abundance, including dark chocolate pianos given to guests as they left for the evening.
ArtsGala is a unique event. “There is no fundraising collaboration that has the breadth and depth of ours in all of America,” McDowell said. “It’s a triumph of collaboration.”
Presenting sponsors for this year’s ArsGala were Barnes & Noble at Wright State University and Morris Home Furnishings. Gold Level Sponsors were Dayton Business Journal, Emerson Climate Technologies, Gloria and Don Graber, HORAN, Zoe Dell Nutter, THINK TV, Dr. Pam and Malte von Matthiessen and WHIO TV. Silver Level Sponsors were Dayton Daily News, Dayton Power & Light Company, Discover Classical 88.1 & 89.9 FM, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Sinclair college, Vectren and Wright-Patt Credit Union.
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