The biggest gift made to the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College is also the most mysterious.

At least for now.

The donors wish to remain anonymous until the $1 million estate gift is realized.  At that point, the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College will be renamed in their honor.

“My personal hope is that we don’t realize this particular gift for quite a while,” said Garrett College President Dr. Richard Midcap.  “These donors are making an ongoing, positive impact on our community and I hope they are part of our wonderful community for decades to come.”

Midcap said the donors, in a further example of their generosity, have provided maximum flexibility with their gift.

“These donors would welcome another donor stepping forward with a cash gift to name the PAC,” said Midcap.  “If that happens, these donors will move their estate gift to another campus building.  They stressed their desire to do whatever is in the best interests of the PAC and the College in moving forward.”

Midcap noted that all named gifts for the PAC were reviewed and approved by the Garrett College Board of Trustees.

“The Board of Trustees takes quite seriously their responsibility to ensure that all named spaces reflected the mission and vision of the College,” said Midcap.

Cherie Krug, executive director of the Garrett College Foundation, said this gift is a great example of the value of planned giving.

“When you remember Garrett College in your estate plans, you have the opportunity to leave a transforming gift to the College and our students,” said Krug.  “You will become a member of the prestigious John Work Garrett Planned Giving Society while leaving a lasting legacy for you and your loved ones.”   

The DLR Group, an architectural firm out of Washington, D.C., designed the facility, which was constructed by Leonard S. Fiore, Inc., a general contracting and construction company headquartered in Altoona, PA.  The project is centered around the college’s old gymnasium, which was renovated into a state-of-the-art proscenium theatre that seats approximately 450 patrons.

A 16,000-square-foot addition to the theatre features a 2,000-square-foot conference center that can also be used as a recital hall, black box theatre, and reception venue.  New educational spaces are also included, as well as a sound and lighting booth.