ACU officials announce challenge grant from Mabee Foundation For Immediate Release August 23, 1999 Abilene Christian University officials announced today (Saturday, Aug. 21) the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., has offered a $1.5 million challenge grant for ACU to build its proposed Performing Arts Center. To meet the specifications of the challenge grant, ACU must raise $10.5 million by July 2000. More than $8.1 million has been raised already. Dr. Royce Money, ACU president, said, "Once again, we are touched and thrilled by the generosity of the Mabee family. Their commitment to quality Christian higher education is obvious through their gifts to Abilene Christian." Raising the remainder of the fund to start construction within the given time frame is feasible, said Dr. John Tyson, ACU vice president for development. "The gift from the Mabee Foundation positions us very well for the Performing Arts Center," he said. "It's possible we could be breaking ground early next year." The proposed Performing Arts Center will be a 60,000-square-foot facility at the corner of Judge Ely Boulevard and E.N. 16th Street. The faculty, staff and students of music and theatre will share the new building with specific classroom, practice and performance needs met. The center will feature a three-story theatre that seats 300, a 250-seat recital hall and a flexible multi-form theatre. "ACU already produces world-class Christian artists who are making their marks in the realms of music, theatre and movies," Money said. "This kind of facility will help move already great programs to a higher plane of quality. Plus, with better performance facilities, the community will have more opportunities to hear, see and experience the performing arts at ACU." The generous Mabee challenge for the Performing Arts Center also brings ACU one step closer to completing it's "To Lead and To Serve" campaign, Tyson said. "The Performing Arts Center is a facet of our overall campaign," he said. "And we are now within $12.5 million of reaching our $100 million goal." -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: August 23, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@nicanor.acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/people/news/990823-mabee.html