News: Center For The Arts Fund-raising Campaign Under Way

A major fund-raising campaign for PCC’s new Center for the Arts is underway, with a goal of raising $3.5 million for three crucial elements of the facility, most of which is covered by Measure P bond funds.

Although an external campaign was begun earlier, the focus through May 22 will be on generating support on campus from faculty and staff, said George Lear, a consultant working with the PCC Foundation on the campaign.
“It’s important for the institution to have something accomplished before we go to the public,” Lear said. “This is the opportunity for faculty and staff to show other donors that we are supporting the project.”
The internal drive aims to raise about $350,000 in about three weeks.
The campaign’s goal is to make all the resources available for completion of a 230-seat recital hall, a 1,600 square-foot art gallery and a 99-seat black box theater that had to be scaled back because of rising construction costs, explained PCC President Dr. Paulette Perfumo.
“We want to be proactive in raising funds so, as we go forward and build the facility, it will be complete,” Perfumo said. “We want it done correctly the first time.”
Construction of the new building, which will house both the Visual Arts & Media Studies division and the Performing & Communication Arts division, is set to begin this summer with demolition of the existing T and K buildings. It is expected to take about two years.
“This is a remarkable building that reflects the quality of the programs we have today,” said VAMS Dean Alex Kritselis. “Since it will be the newest Center for the Arts in the state, it will catapult us into a leadership position. For a period of time, we will be the model everyone will be looking into.”
Kritselis said the structure reflects the beginning of a new era for PCC and the VAMS division. “It’s an expression of the respect we extend to those who come to study with us,” he said. “It’s more than just putting walls up. When our students arrive we want them to believe, because of the quality of the new building and the way we’ll be able to equip it, that we take their efforts seriously, do not underestimate their potential, care about their success and that the building and its facilities are well conceived and executed in a way that an optimum learning environment for the 21st century has been created.”
Kritselis noted that the planning process for the Center for the Arts had been very inclusive, with all user groups provided ample opportunity to work with the architects. “Throughout the whole process, our students were at the center of our considerations,” he said. “We don’t want our students to have any less than those attending elite institutions. Issues of equity and fair opportunity for our students motivate everyone who teaches and works at Pasadena City College. Our faculty is of the highest caliber, dedicated to their discipline sand recognized for their work both nationally and internationally. The new facility will give them the appropriate “tools” they deserve to do their best work yet.”
According to promotional materials for the campaign, the proposed 1,600 square-foot art gallery will offer new flexibility in utilization of the space that does not now exist on campus. “It will become a gathering place for students, faculty and the community to view the finest student and professional artworks and to examine and discuss issues surrounding the visual arts,” the brochure says.
The internal fund-raising campaign is being coordinated by the Center for the Arts Faculty and Staff Committee. “This is a phenomenal opportunity for [us] to feel involved with and committed to a process that started 20 years ago,” said VAMS Ceramics Instructor Jim Gonzalez, who is serving on the committee. “And, it will not stop, because the building is going to be here for 100 years.”
Gonzalez said the committee is hoping for 100 percent support from faculty and staff, “but we’ll still be happy with whatever happens.”
PCC Foundation Consultant Lear said all employees were to receive an informational packet and a pledge card outlining the giving options and opportunities for recognition.
These range from having each donor’s name on a wall plaque, to donating $500,000 to have either the Recital Hall, Back Box Theater or Art Gallery named after the donor. Many other naming opportunities – a total of 72 – have been identified in between.
In addition, special incentives are planned during the campaign, Lear said. Each donor will become eligible for a drawing with a grand prize of a trip for two to either New York or San Francisco.

Release Date: 05/07/2009
Contact: Alexander I. Kritselis , Division Dean
Phone: (626) 585-7238
Email: ajkritselis@pasadena.edu