La Crosse Performing Arts Center
Groundbreaking 11/16/11
Good Morning
Today will
be remembered in the history of the city as an important step forward for our
community. Viterbo University and the La
Crosse Community Theatre come together this morning to begin a project that
will significantly benefit our respective organizations, as well as on the city
and region.
Separate and
parallel plans converged for an opportunity that will benefit generations to
come. The new Performing Arts Center will
realize the dream of our creative colleagues in the La Crosse Community
Theatre, it will elevate the opportunities for Viterbo students in the
performing arts, and it will anchor the arts district while
strengthening the downtown core.
I wish to
express the University’s appreciation for the collaborative spirit of the
leadership of the La Crosse Community Theatre. Our identities will remain intact even as we work together in the
months and years ahead. Mutual
respect, trust, and love for the arts have forged this alliance and will be
the cement that binds us for decades to come.
Since the
founding of Viterbo by the FSPA, the arts have held a central focus. The bold vision of the Franciscan Sisters to
construct the magnificent Fine Arts Center 40 years ago transformed a small
college; that leap of faith dramatically increased the opportunities for
cultural enrichment and entertainment for people of all ages in the Coulee
Region.
Our collaborative
vision for the La Crosse Performing Arts Center likewise imagines an infusion
of talent, energy and vitality to the downtown that will most assuredly and
positively impact the experience of audiences, raise the visibility of Viterbo’s
academic program, and enhance the quality of life in our community.
Grateful to
my colleagues from Viterbo who are involved with this project and especially to
members of our board of trustees who are present: Sr. Mary Ann Gschwind, chair, John Desmond,
and Don Weber.
It is my
honor to introduce Don Weber. Without
Don’s support and generosity, this project would still be a dream. Thank you, Don, for this beautiful property
and for your vision for a downtown campus which has transformed the south end
of the Riverfront.