The grant will allow the university to renovate its Kleist Center for Art & Drama and the Student Activities Center.
Baldwin Wallace University has received $750,000 in grant funding from the State of Ohio to renovate its Kleist Center for Art & Drama and the Student Activities Center. The two facilities are among the most used on campus and through renovations, will offer students and community visitors expanded accessibility and enhanced safety. The funding was secured with the help of State representative Mike Dovilla of the 17th Ohio House District, who is also a Baldwin Wallace University alumnus.
According to an article on Baldwin Wallace University’s website, university President Lee Fisher was quoted as saying of the grant funding, "We want to thank Representative Dovilla for being a dedicated alumnus who not only comes back to campus to participate in events, but who also champions our university at the state level. He knows firsthand the value of a BW education for our students and the important role the University has in the community and in higher education.”
Fisher went on to discuss the buildings that will be renovated. He said, "BW is a pillar of the community through programs that serve people of all ages. The Kleist Center for Art & Drama, which houses two performing arts theatres, has a wonderful and vibrant history showcasing the best of theatre and the arts. Audience members from Northeast Ohio and across the country have come to Kleist to watch world-premiere shows that garnered national acclaim. It also has been a busy and welcoming hub for community productions, lectures, youth arts programs, and the University's Community Arts School — one of our region's largest and most comprehensive providers of noncredit arts education and lifelong learning opportunities. Likewise, the Student Activities Center is one of BW's most active campus and public-facing venues. In addition to serving students, the Student Activities Center hosts speaker series, workshops, lectures, fundraising events, nonprofit meetings, weddings, concerts and civic gatherings. We take pride in being a university that is a welcoming resource for our community. Both the Kleist and Student Activities projects will enable us to expand our arts education capacity, improve safety and accessibility, and strengthen BW's ability to host programming, performances and events that will benefit Berea and Northeast Ohio residents."
Dovilla, who graduated from the university in 1997 with a degree in economics and political science, was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, the College Republicans, Student Government, Model UN, and other organizations.
Dovilla said, "I am pleased to have advocated for and secured funding for Baldwin Wallace University in the state's biennial capital appropriations budget. For more than 180 years, BW has played an integral role in our community. The state's investment to help make upgrades to the Kleist Center and the Student Activities Center will ensure BW continues to have a positive impact on economic development, the arts and the student experience. As vice chairman of the House Finance Committee, I look forward to supporting additional worthy projects like these in the 17th House District and throughout Greater Cleveland.”
For more information about Baldwin Wallace University, visit the school’s website.