News

UA-PTC Foundation completes capital campaign

The UA-Pulaski Technical College Foundation has completed its capital campaign for the Center for Humanities and Arts (CHARTS), as well as the $500,000 challenge match offered by the Windgate Foundation of Siloam Springs. Shannon Boshears, UA-PTC Foundation executive director, said the UA-PTC Foundation raised more than $2.5 million surpassing its original goal of $1 million.  

An earlier $1 million gift from Windgate Foundation, the largest gift in UA-PTC history, played a significant role in the successful capital campaign, which raised money to furnish and equip the CHARTS facility with art related items. As a result, the art gallery was officially named the “Windgate Gallery” in honor of the Foundation’s gift.

In addition, the Windgate Foundation offered to match any money raised dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000 to create a $1 million operational endowment. UA-PTC raised the necessary matching funds during the following 18-month period.

 “This is the first operational endowment at the college, and it will help to sustain our Fine Arts program for many years,” Boshears said. “Our students will benefit greatly from the gifts from the Windgate Foundation and all the generous donors who made this a reality for us.”

Some of the premium items purchased from the capital campaign gifts include two Kawai grand pianos, one of which is a Kawai Shigeru 9-foot concert grand piano, the only one currently in the state.  Also, a pit lift for the orchestra pit and an orchestra shell for the theater were purchased to make the theater a state-of-the art venue.  

The CHARTS facility is currently booking national traveling exhibitions in the Windgate Gallery and is soon to announce its upcoming season of performing arts including national touring music acts, speakers, comedians and film.