$30M Raised for FMU Performing Arts Center
Florence Morning News - February 01, 2008
By Shireese Bell
FLORENCE — Francis Marion University has raised a total of $30 million for building the FMU Performing Arts Center, thanks to an additional $5 million donation from the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation.
FMU President Dr. Fred Carter told the university’s board of trustees about the additional funding during his report at the board’s quarterly meeting Friday.
The Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation already gave the university $10 million for the project. The university also received $12 million in state appropriations and a $3 million contribution from the city of Florence, bringing the total funds raised to $30 million.
Carter said the facility would cost between $30 million to $32 million.
The performing arts center is a joint effort between the university and the city of Florence, and is designed to be a downtown revitalization catalyst.
The center, located on 3.93 acres at the corner of Dargan and West Palmetto streets, will contain space for theatrical and musical performances, instructional classrooms and office space.
FMU’s fine arts program will use the center for performances, programs and art exhibits. National traveling music, dance and theater productions will be booked to perform at the center, as well.
Construction of the center is expected to be completed in the latter part of 2009, with 2010 set as the first full concert year.
During the meeting, the board approved a resolution to name the university’s new baseball stadium in honor of Henry Booker and Nellie Cooke Sparrow.
Members of the Sparrow family have been long-time supporters of the university’s academic and athletic programs.
The stadium, which is scheduled to be complete in the 2009-10 school year, will have about about 2,500 seats instead of the 5,000 seats originally proposed in the plan.
Carter said the stadium will have the capacity to add 2,500 more seats if needed.
Carter also discussed the university’s plans for the new athletic complex, which will be located on the west side of the campus. The athletic complex will include the new baseball stadium, a softball stadium, soccer and track fields and other athletic facilities such as a field house.
The construction of the complex will be completed in phases and paid for through bonds and private donations.
The board also approved the adjustment of housing fees and the adjustment of student activity fees.
Housing fees will increase 5 percent effective this fall.
Student activity fees will increase $25 per semester, from $72.50 per semester to $97.50 per semester.
The fee will increase again to $122.50 per semester, effective in spring 2009.
The $25 per semester increase is in keeping with prior resolutions made since 2006. The increases in student activity fees is to insure that funding is available to meet the level of activities appropriate to the students’ social, academic and physical development.